Influencer Faces Police Complaint After Viral Beef-Mutton Mix-Up Sparks Religious Tension
A police complaint has been registered against a social media influencer and television actor in Kolkata, India, after he alleged he was served beef instead of mutton at a popular restaurant, sparking accusations of inciting religious violence. The incident, which went viral online, led to the arrest and subsequent bail of a waiter, highlighting ongoing sensitivities around beef consumption in the country.
Viral Video Leads to Arrest and Legal Action
In a now-deleted video, influencer Sayak Chakraborty claimed he visited the Olypub restaurant and bar in Kolkata, ordering a mutton steak. He stated he only realised he had consumed beef when a second plate of mutton arrived at the table. Confronting waiter Sheikh Nasimuddin and the manager, Chakraborty alleged a deliberate attempt to hurt his religious sentiments as a Hindu. The footage showed the waiter apologising repeatedly, calling it an error.
Mr Nasimuddin was arrested on Saturday under sections of India's criminal code addressing acts intended to outrage religious feelings. He was granted bail and released on Tuesday after his defence argued no progress had been made in the investigation. Police confirmed on Monday that a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Chakraborty following multiple complaints accusing him of provoking religious tension.
Broader Context of Beef in India
In India, cows are considered sacred by many Hindus, and several states have laws restricting or banning cow slaughter and beef consumption. This has been a recurring issue for Hindu-right wing groups and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. For instance:
- In 2024, authorities bulldozed homes in Madhya Pradesh after finding beef in refrigerators.
- In 2022, two men in Chhattisgarh were beaten and paraded naked on suspicion of transporting beef.
West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has resisted federal attempts to impose a nationwide beef ban, viewing it as an infringement on state rights. Cow slaughter is legal in only eight states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa.
Restaurant Response and Community Reaction
Olypub, founded in 1947 and renamed in 1981, issued a statement calling the episode an unintentional error and a genuine mistake with no harm intended. The restaurant apologised profusely, emphasising its foundation of respect for all, regardless of religion. It remained closed for two days after the arrest before reopening with heavier footfall than usual.
Owner Azmeen Tangri, whose family has run the restaurant for three generations, said there was no question of dismissing Mr Nasimuddin, who has worked there for nearly a decade. He expressed relief at the bail order and gratitude for police and community support.
Criticism and Political Fallout
Civil society groups and political parties criticised the initial arrest. Members of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights questioned why Mr Nasimuddin was taken into custody while no immediate action was taken against Chakraborty. Complainants argued the influencer endangered the waiter's safety and deliberately created communal intolerance.
Opposition parties, including Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), questioned the police action. Demonstrations were held outside Park Street police station demanding the waiter's release. Police sources indicated Chakraborty faces three cases under sections dealing with provocation to cause a riot and promotion of enmity based on religion.
Influencer's Withdrawal and Aftermath
Before the FIR was registered, Chakraborty told media he would withdraw his complaint, posting on social media that he was stepping back from the dispute. He apologised, stating his reaction might have been wrong and that he wanted to avoid future controversies. However, he has not commented since the FIR was filed.
The incident underscores the volatile intersection of social media, religious sentiments, and legal frameworks in India, with ongoing debates about freedom, error, and intent in multicultural settings.
