kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata Police on Monday arrested Wazahat Khan, the man who had earlier filed a formal complaint against social activist and entrepreneur Sharmistha Panoli. The arrest, made by officers from the Tollygunge Police Station, has added a new layer of intrigue and controversy to what has already become a highly publicized case.

According to police sources, Khan was taken into custody on charges that include criminal intimidation, cheating, and defamation, based on a counter-complaint reportedly filed by Panoli and supported by documents obtained during the investigation. The charges fall under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, and police officials said that preliminary evidence warranted immediate action.

Wazahat Khan had previously approached the police in May with a complaint alleging that Sharmistha Panoli was involved in professional misconduct, financial impropriety, and coercion in a business partnership gone sour. His statement gained traction on social media and among local media houses, drawing attention to what he described as a “long pattern of exploitative behavior.”

However, shortly after Khan’s complaint became public, Panoli refuted all allegations and accused Khan of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation and extract financial gain. She had also claimed that Khan had a history of intimidation and manipulation, particularly targeting women in professional settings.

“Wazahat Khan tried to weaponize falsehoods to harass and malign me,” Panoli had said in a public statement last week. “I have full faith in the legal system and the truth will prevail.”

Kolkata Police confirmed that Khan’s arrest is based not only on Panoli’s counter-allegations but also on “newly emerged material evidence” which they say undermines the veracity of his original claims. While the exact nature of the evidence has not been disclosed, officers hinted at discrepancies in financial records and communication logs that pointed toward deliberate misinformation and possible intent to defraud.

A senior officer involved in the case said, “We are treating this matter with utmost sensitivity and neutrality. The investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and both parties will be given the opportunity to present their version before the court. However, based on the evidence available at this point, we have found grounds to initiate legal action against Mr. Khan.”

The arrest has led to a flurry of reactions across legal, activist, and business communities in the city. Some supporters of Khan are claiming that the arrest was a tactic to silence whistleblowers, while Panoli’s supporters argue that it is a step towards justice and the protection of women in professional environments.

Legal experts tracking the case suggest it could become a landmark example of how public allegations on social media can backfire without substantiated proof. “This is a cautionary tale,” said Advocate Prashant Roy, a senior criminal lawyer based in Kolkata. “Making accusations is a legal right, but they must be backed with solid evidence. If not, they can open the door to criminal defamation and perjury.”

Wazahat Khan has been remanded to police custody for three days by a city court. His legal team has maintained that he is innocent and has termed the arrest as “retaliatory and politically motivated.” His lawyer has announced plans to move a higher court for bail and possible quashing of the FIR.

As the case unfolds, it continues to spark debate on accountability, credibility, and the fine line between whistleblowing and character assassination in the digital age. The police have assured that the investigation will remain impartial and evidence-driven, as both sides prepare for what could become a prolonged legal battle.