Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Zomato Supervisor Apologises After Hindi Remarks Spark Backlash
A supervisor at a Zomato warehouse in Bengaluru was filmed speaking to workers about language.
He said he would speak only Hindi and told workers to learn it or leave their jobs.
The video upset many people.
Pro-Kannada activists gathered outside the warehouse and called for action against him.
A complaint and a petition were given to the police.
Police reportedly briefly took the supervisor into custody to calm the tense situation.
Later, he made a video apologising in Kannada.
He said he would not make the same mistake again.
A Zomato warehouse supervisor in Bengaluru, identified as Ashok, was filmed telling staff to learn Hindi or leave their jobs.
In the video, Ashok said he did not know Kannada and would speak only Hindi.
The video prompted public backlash and pro-Kannada activists gathered outside the warehouse demanding action and his removal.
A formal complaint and a petition seeking action against Ashok were filed with Madanayakanahalli police.
Ashok later apologised in Kannada in a video and promised not to repeat his remarks.
- Who
- A Zomato warehouse supervisor named Ashok and warehouse staff.
- What
- Ashok was filmed telling workers to learn Hindi or leave; after backlash, he apologised in Kannada.
- When
- The articles do not specify when the incident occurred.
- Where
- A Zomato warehouse in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- Ashok said he did not know Kannada and would speak only Hindi; the articles do not state another reason for his remarks.
Local-language concerns
Supervisor's stated position
Language used at work
Local-language concerns
A worker in the video reminded Ashok, “This is Karnataka,” and activists demanded action and his removal after his remarks.
Supervisor's stated position
Ashok said he did not know Kannada and would speak only Hindi, telling staff to learn Hindi or leave; he later apologised in Kannada.
- Supervisor
- Ashok, described as being from Andhra Pradesh
- Workplace
- Zomato warehouse in Bengaluru
- Remarks
- He told staff to learn Hindi or leave and said he would speak only Hindi
- Response
- Pro-Kannada activists gathered outside the warehouse demanding action and his removal
- Police action
- A formal complaint and petition were filed; police reportedly briefly took Ashok into custody to control the tense situation
- Apology
- Ashok later apologised in Kannada and promised not to repeat the mistake