Kolkata Waiter Granted Bail in Influencer Meat Mix-Up Case
A waiter from the iconic Olypub in Kolkata, who was arrested last week for allegedly serving "wrong meat" to a social media influencer, has been granted bail on Tuesday. This development came after the state counsel informed the court that the ongoing investigation has found no evidence of any deliberate act on the part of the waiter.
Court Proceedings and Investigation Findings
The waiter, identified as Sheikh Nasimuddin, was virtually produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Payel Banerjee. His lawyers, deputed by Olypub, strongly demanded his bail, arguing that the incident was a genuine mistake. During the hearing, the magistrate inquired about the findings of the investigation. In response, the state counsel stated that the probe so far has revealed nothing to justify that Nasimuddin intentionally served the wrong meat.
Rajesh Kumar Gupta, one of the lawyers representing the waiter, emphasized the court's stance. "The magistrate was convinced that it was a genuine mistake on the part of the waiter and that he did not do it intentionally. In fact, the police should probe to find out why the influencer raised the issue only after he finished his plate. We believe the influencer did it intentionally to shoot controversial content and get more views," Gupta remarked.
Influencer's Withdrawal and Legal Complexities
The complainant, social media influencer Sayak Chakraborty, had earlier announced on social media that he would withdraw the case. However, he did not make any formal appeal before the court on Tuesday. Legal experts have clarified a critical point: since Nasimuddin was arrested for a non-compoundable offence, the case cannot be simply withdrawn at this stage. It can only be dismissed by the magistrate after the police submit a charge sheet, highlighting the procedural hurdles in such matters.
Restaurant Management's Support and Future Steps
In a show of solidarity, the management of Olypub has affirmed that Nasimuddin remains a valued member of their team and will return to his duties once he is released. A senior official from the pub management stated, "There is not any break in employment. He is still our employee. He went through very hard days. Once he comes out, we will speak to him. But he will continue his work as a waiter at Olypub, and we are not taking any action against him."
When questioned about the possibility of filing a counter-complaint against the influencer, the official adopted a conciliatory approach. "We would not like to continue any matter that can cause any sort of further issues. We want the matter to be settled as soon as possible," the official added, indicating a desire to move past the controversy.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
This case has sparked discussions on several fronts, including the power dynamics between social media influencers and service industry workers, as well as the legal intricacies involved in such disputes. The incident underscores how quickly a minor service error can escalate into a legal battle, especially in the age of viral content. The restaurant's decision to stand by its employee reflects a commitment to fairness and employee welfare, which has been noted positively by many observers.
As the investigation continues, all parties involved seem eager to resolve the matter amicably. The focus now shifts to the police's final report and the magistrate's subsequent decision, which will ultimately determine the closure of this high-profile case in Kolkata's dining scene.
