There is an all-too familiar and unfortunate reality to the social media age. Derogatory and offensive statements — even hate speech — are amplified by algorithms and interests that are “optimised” for outrage and attention. Sharmistha Panoli’s social media post fits into all these categories — and more. It echoed, in the crudest manner, some of the most hurtful anti-minority tropes in circulation. The Kolkata Police’s action against the 22-year-old law student — she was arrested from her home in Gurugram and produced before an Alipore court on Saturday — though, is both an overreaction and a symptom of a deeper rot. At the same time, while it is heartening to see many in the BJP championing Panoli’s right to free speech, the irony couldn’t be more obvious.

Since Operation Sindoor, there have been several arrests across the country —........

© Indian Express