Waiter Arrested in Kolkata After Actor Alleges Being Served Cow Meat at Upscale Restaurant
A waiter at a prominent upscale restaurant located on Kolkata's famous Park Street was arrested on Saturday following serious allegations made by Bengali actor and social media influencer Sayak Chakraborty. The actor claimed that he was served cow meat instead of the mutton steak he had ordered, leading to a police investigation and subsequent arrest.
Viral Video Sparks Controversy and Police Action
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night at the restaurant, and a video showing Chakraborty confronting the restaurant staff quickly went viral after being shared on social media platforms. In the widely circulated footage, Chakraborty can be heard expressing his outrage, stating that he and his companions had ordered mutton steak but were served what he believed to be beef instead.
"We didn't know what it was. We thought it was mutton steak. We ate it," Chakraborty says in the video. When the waiter offered an apology, a visibly furious Chakraborty responded by asking, "Do you know that I am a Brahmin?" The video also captures the restaurant manager acknowledging that a grave mistake had been made by the waiter.
Legal Action Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Following the viral video and subsequent complaint, police authorities took swift action. A senior police officer confirmed that the waiter, identified as Shiekh Nasiruddin, was arrested under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This specific legal provision addresses deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religious beliefs, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
The First Information Report was officially lodged at the Park Street police station, initiating the legal proceedings. As of now, the restaurant management has not released any official statement regarding the incident or the arrest of their employee.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The incident has ignited significant political debate and controversy in Kolkata. BJP leader Rahul Sinha strongly asserted that the serving of wrong meat was not an accidental error but a deliberate act. "This is no mistake...it was done purposefully. This is preplanned. In this way, they purposely serve people cow meat, trying to insult one's religion," Sinha stated in his comments to media outlets.
In contrast, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Arup Chakraborty offered a different perspective, suggesting the incident might be an attempt to disrupt communal harmony. "First of all, one who has a problem with beef...why will that person go to a restaurant that serves beef, mutton, and chicken...all in the same plate and cooked in the same utensils? These people are trying to destroy communal harmony," he remarked. He further emphasized that while police have taken action based on the complaint, they should also investigate those who might be disturbing communal peace through such incidents.
Social Media Amplification and Public Discourse
The rapid spread of the video on social media platforms has amplified the incident, bringing it to national attention. The involvement of a well-known actor and influencer like Sayak Chakraborty has added to the visibility of the case, prompting widespread discussion about:
- Food authenticity and restaurant accountability
- Religious sensitivities in culinary practices
- Legal consequences for alleged religious offenses
- The role of social media in highlighting such incidents
The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged meat substitution and the subsequent arrest of the restaurant waiter.
