31 May,2025 02:20 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Despite deleting the video and issuing a public apology, Sharmistha was arrested, while those issuing threats remain untouched. Representational Pic
Two weeks after an online mob issued rape and death threats against Hindu influencer Sharmistha, the Kolkata Police arrested her on Friday. Instead of targeting those responsible for threatening her life, including issuing chilling "Sar Tan Se Juda" (beheading) threats, Mamata Banerjee's police force took action against Sharmistha herself.
The police reportedly traveled over 1,500 km to Gurgaon to arrest Sharmistha. Activist Sunaina Holey claimed they lacked proper documentation or warrants, but later secured a Magistrate's order. Sharmistha is now in Kolkata and will be presented before a court on Saturday at noon.
The controversy began on May 14 when a Pakistani Muslim handler online attempted to whitewash the Pahalgam terror attack, during which 24 Hindus were killed after their religious identity was confirmed by terrorists.
In response, Sharmistha criticised the handler and questioned Pakistan's role in sponsoring such attacks. Her video was subsequently misrepresented by Pakistani and Indian Muslims as an insult to Islam and the Prophet Mohammad.
This misrepresentation sparked a coordinated online campaign, with users from both countries threatening rape, death, and beheading, and tagging Indian police authorities to demand her arrest.
Despite deleting the video and issuing a public apology, Sharmistha was arrested, while those issuing threats remain untouched.
Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of inciting communal discord between Hindus and Muslims in the state. BJP Member of Parliament Khagen Murmu alleged that Banerjee was "trying to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh" by provoking one community against the other.
Speaking at a public rally in Malda, Murmu claimed that the Chief Minister's approach was designed to bring "one particular community onto the streets" and spark unrest. "Mamata Banerjee is trying to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh by inciting Muslims against Hindus. The grand Ram Navami processions were apolitical, and the turnout shows that Hindus are awakening," he stated, as per ANI.
The BJP's criticism follows a controversial incident where a saffron flag, associated with the Ram Navami celebrations, was allegedly torn during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, condemned the act and said it amounted to "an attack on Hindu faith."
Adhikari expressed outrage over the incident: "The way they tore the saffron flag during a protest, and that too in front of police, is deeply shameful, especially when it happened at the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda. Hindu organisations have lodged an FIR."
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed that flags from Ram Navami rallies were being deliberately removed from vehicles. "In this state, you see flags of Hamas, Palestine, Pakistan, Syria, even ISIS. But Ram Navami flags are removed from cars. Has Kolkata become Dhaka, Syria or Afghanistan? This is the vision Mamata Banerjee wants to impose," Ghosh told ANI.
In response to these incidents, the BJP has announced statewide protests. A demonstration will take place today in DC Central, and further protests are planned across West Bengal on April 12, which coincides with Hanuman Jayanti.
(With inputs from ANI)
