Kolkata: The father of 22-year-old law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested by Kolkata Police over a controversial Instagram video, has raised concerns about her mental health and access to essential medication in custody.

Prithviraj Panoli, speaking to IANS, said that his daughter was in a state of mental shock following her transfer from Gurugram and the denial of bail. “She was in complete shock when she was brought from Gurugram and denied bail. Both the lawyer and I had to console her. You must’ve seen the viral video where she said, ‘this isn’t a democracy’—she’s a law student and her mental state was clearly disturbed," he said.

Panoli also expressed concern about delays in her receiving prescribed medications. “I met her two days ago as per jail rules. They had issues with her medication. She takes two medicines—one for her kidneys and another for ADHD—which requires a prescription we couldn’t retrieve in the chaos. Kidney medication has started now,” he said.

When asked about the political controversy surrounding the arrest, Prithviraj Panoli remained focused on the legal route. “Whether there is politics involved or not, we are not focusing on that right now. Our sole aim is to work with the lawyers, present our case before the judge and ensure her release as soon as possible.”

Sharmistha Panoli was arrested last Friday for allegedly hurting religious sentiments in a now-deleted Instagram video titled Operation Sindoor. Despite having issued a public apology on May 15, she was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody and denied interim bail by the Kolkata High Court on Tuesday.

Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of free speech and “a grave miscarriage of justice.” (IANS)