Kolkata Influencer Faces FIR in Olypub Meat Controversy Despite Apology
In a dramatic turn of events in Kolkata, an FIR was registered on Monday against social media influencer Sayak Chakraborty, even as he attempted to backtrack from the meat mix-up case at Olypub on Park Street. This development comes after Chakraborty claimed on Friday that he was served a steak of a meat he had not ordered, leading to the arrest of a waiter on Saturday and subsequent judicial custody.
Restaurant Shutdown and Apology
The popular restaurant Olypub remained closed for two days following the incident, issuing a public apology where they described the mix-up as a "genuine mistake with no harm intended." The establishment reopened its doors on Monday, hoping to move past the controversy that has captured public attention.
Multiple Complaints Against Influencer
Kolkata police revealed that four separate complaints had been lodged against Chakraborty within a 72-hour period, prompting the registration of the FIR with multiple sections. One of the charges pertains to inciting riots, adding serious legal implications to what began as a restaurant complaint.
Chakraborty's Attempt to Withdraw Complaint
Earlier on Monday, before the FIR was filed, Chakraborty informed TOI that his lawyer would approach the court on Tuesday to withdraw the complaint against the waiter. "I called the police station but the officers said I had to approach a court to withdraw the case," Chakraborty explained. "My lawyer will appeal before the court on Tuesday to withdraw the case against the waiter and the restaurant."
Social Media Apology and Video Removal
On Sunday evening, Chakraborty took to social media to announce his decision to withdraw the complaint. "I am withdrawing my complaint against that gentleman and Oly Pub," he wrote. "My issue was with the mistake made by Oly Pub. Perhaps my reaction was also wrong. I am sorry."
The influencer emphasized his desire to avoid future controversies while vlogging and acknowledged that Olypub had finally apologized. He has since removed the two videos he initially posted about the incident from his social media platforms.
"I posted the video to show the lackadaisical attitude of the restaurant," Chakraborty told TOI. "I had nothing against the waiter. I did not misbehave with the waiter. Some other person may have hit him. The fact that the restaurant authorities apologized shows I was not wrong in pointing out the mistake. But I sent the videos to the recycle bin to avoid any more controversies."
Legal Complexities of the Case
The case against the waiter falls under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religious beliefs. Legal experts have clarified that this presents significant challenges for withdrawal.
Bivas Chatterjee, a senior state counsel, explained: "Had it been a compoundable offence, the complainant could have withdrawn the case. But this case will be heard and police will file a charge sheet. It will go on trial and if the complainant wants to withdraw it, it can be dismissed."
This legal perspective highlights that a simple appeal before the court cannot quash what is considered a non-compoundable and non-bailable offence, creating a complex situation for all parties involved.
