Olypub Waiter Nasimuddin Granted Bail in Beef Steak Controversy
In a significant development, Sheikh Nasimuddin, a waiter at Kolkata's historic Olypub restaurant, has been granted bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Payel Banerjee. The arrest stemmed from a complaint by vlogger Sayak Chakraborty, who alleged that he was served beef steak instead of the mutton steak he ordered, claiming it hurt his religious sentiments.
Restaurant Reopens to Overwhelming Support
The iconic restaurant-cum-bar, famous for its beef steak, reopened on Monday after a two-day closure, welcoming larger crowds than usual. Patrons flocked to Olypub to show solidarity with both the establishment and Nasimuddin, turning what could have been a setback into a demonstration of community support.
Owner Azmeen Tangri, whose family has run Olypub for three generations, expressed relief at the bail decision. "We are relieved and happy that Nasimuddin has got bail. Of course, it was a very unfortunate situation, but we are very grateful," Tangri told The Indian Express. He emphasized that there was no threat to Nasimuddin's job, stating that removing him had not even been considered.
The Incident and Legal Proceedings
Nasimuddin was arrested on Saturday under charges of hurting religious sentiments, following Chakraborty's viral video complaint. During the virtual bail hearing from a correctional home, public prosecutor sought custody for further investigation, while Nasimuddin's lawyer Rajesh Kumar Gupta argued there had been no progress in the case.
Colleagues who attended the court hearing described the incident as a "genuine error" and expressed regret over the situation. "This is an unfortunate incident... we never thought it would end like this," said one colleague who wished to remain anonymous.
Restaurant's Response and Community Reaction
Olypub issued an official statement on Monday, describing the incident as "an unintentional error" and "a genuine mistake with no harm intended." The statement apologized profusely and reaffirmed the restaurant's commitment to respect for all customers regardless of background.
Customers like Rohini Joseph, a regular patron, expressed support: "I wanted to show my support. Mistakes happen and an apology was sought, and given." Members of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights also attended the hearing, questioning why only Nasimuddin faced arrest while Chakraborty, who faces multiple complaints including provocation and promotion of enmity, remained free.
Background and Context
Nasimuddin, originally from Jajpur in Odisha, considers Kolkata his home, having followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle who also worked at Olypub. He shares accommodation near the restaurant with relatives and colleagues from the establishment.
Olypub, established in 1947 as Olympia Bar and Restaurant and renamed in 1981, has become a Kolkata institution. Tangri noted the humbling support from well-wishers and thanked police authorities for their handling of the situation.
Complainant Chitosree Mukherjee, one of those who filed cases against Chakraborty, argued that the vlogger should face consequences for deliberately creating disturbance and endangering the waiter's safety.
The case highlights ongoing tensions around food service and religious sensitivities in India, while also demonstrating how established institutions can navigate such challenges with community backing and transparent communication.
