A law student from Pune, in Delhi for allegedly sharing a viral video containing hate speech against Prophet Muhammad. The arrest, made under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act, underscores the growing scrutiny of online content and the complexities of inter-state law enforcement in India.
According to police sources, the controversy began when a video allegedly featuring Sharmistha making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad surfaced on social media platforms. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage and protests in various parts of West Bengal and beyond. Multiple complaints were filed with the Kolkata Police, prompting them to initiate a formal investigation.
After tracing the origin of the video to Sharmistha, who is pursuing her law degree in Pune, the Kolkata Police coordinated with their counterparts in Delhi to locate and apprehend her. She was arrested from a friend’s residence in South Delhi late Thursday night and subsequently transported to Kolkata for further questioning.
The arrest was made under sections related to promoting enmity between different groups, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and provisions of the Information Technology Act pertaining to online hate speech.
Sharmistha has been booked under:
Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings)
Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups)
Section 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will)
Relevant sections of the Information Technology Act
She was produced before a magistrate in Kolkata, where police sought her remand for further investigation into the source and intent behind the video.
Supporters of the action argue that hate speech, especially targeting religious figures, must be dealt with strictly to maintain communal harmony and public order. Free speech advocates and some legal experts caution against overreach, warning that such arrests could have a chilling effect on legitimate expression and academic debate.Social media platforms have seen heated discussions, with hashtags related to the case trending both in support of and against the arrest.
The arrest of Pune law student Sharmistha by Kolkata Police in Delhi over a viral hate speech video against Prophet Muhammad has brought critical issues of online speech, religious sensitivity, and inter-state law enforcement into sharp focus. As the case proceeds, it will likely continue to fuel debate on the boundaries of free expression and the responsibilities that come with it in the digital age.