The supervisor, identified as Ashok and reported to be from Andhra Pradesh, was seen telling workers that he did not know Kannada and would communicate only in Hindi. His remarks triggered public backlash and protests outside the warehouse, followed by a petition seeking police action. He later apologised in Kannada.
The incident has added to the continuing debate over language use in Karnataka workplaces, particularly around communication between employees and supervisors from different linguistic backgrounds.
Viral video sparks controversy
The controversy began after a video showing an exchange between Ashok and employees at the warehouse circulated on social media.
In the video, Ashok is heard telling the workers that he does not know Kannada and would speak in Hindi. He then tells them that if they wanted to work with him, they should learn Hindi or leave.
One employee is heard pointing out that the workplace is in Karnataka. Ashok responds by questioning the relevance of the location and reiterating that he would speak only Hindi.
The remarks were widely criticised, particularly because they appeared to make knowledge of Hindi a condition for employees who wanted to continue working under him.
The video subsequently became the focus of a broader discussion on language, workplace communication and the use of Kannada in Karnataka.
Police complaint follows backlash
The controversy escalated after the video was widely circulated.
A petition was submitted to the Madanayakanahalli police seeking action against the supervisor. Reports also said that pro-Kannada activists gathered outside the Zomato warehouse and demanded action against him.
The situation reportedly became tense during the protest, following which police briefly took Ashok into custody as a precautionary measure to control the situation.
The police action was reported in the context of the protest and does not by itself indicate that the supervisor has been convicted of any offence.
The allegations and circumstances surrounding the workplace exchange remain subject to further inquiry.
Supervisor apologises in Kannada
Following the backlash, Ashok released an apology video.
In the video, he was seen with folded hands and speaking in Kannada while apologising for his remarks. He said he would not repeat the mistake.
The apology came after the controversy had already attracted significant attention online and prompted demands for action.
The contrast between the original video, in which Ashok insisted that he would communicate only in Hindi, and the subsequent apology delivered in Kannada became another widely discussed aspect of the incident.
Workplace language becomes central issue
The episode has once again brought workplace language policies into focus in Karnataka.
Bengaluru’s workforce includes employees from different parts of India, and Hindi, English and Kannada are commonly heard in workplaces. Companies often have employees and managers who come from different linguistic backgrounds.
However, the controversy in this case centres on the reported instruction that employees should learn Hindi or leave their jobs.
For workers, language can affect their ability to understand instructions, communicate workplace concerns and participate effectively in day-to-day operations.
The incident has therefore prompted discussion about the importance of ensuring that workplace communication does not become a source of intimidation or exclusion.
Zomato warehouse becomes focus of protest
The warehouse where the incident reportedly occurred became the site of a protest following the circulation of the video.
Pro-Kannada activists demanded that the supervisor be removed and sought action over his comments. A formal complaint and police petition were also submitted.
The protest reflects the sensitivity surrounding language-related issues in Karnataka, where demands for greater use and recognition of Kannada have periodically led to public campaigns.
At the same time, Bengaluru’s status as a major technology, logistics and commercial hub means workplaces frequently bring together people from different states and language communities.
This creates a continuing need for companies to establish clear and inclusive communication practices.
Incident fuels wider language debate
The controversy comes amid an ongoing public debate in Karnataka over the use of Kannada in public spaces and workplaces.
Kannada activists have repeatedly argued that people working and conducting business in the state should respect the local language. At the same time, Bengaluru’s diverse workforce includes people who may not initially speak Kannada.
The latest incident has brought these competing aspects into focus once again.
The controversy is not simply about whether employees should learn another language. It also raises questions about how supervisors communicate with workers, whether language requirements are reasonable for particular jobs and how organisations can prevent linguistic differences from becoming workplace conflicts.
Importance of respectful communication
For large organisations operating in multilingual cities such as Bengaluru, workplace communication needs to remain clear and respectful.
Employees need to understand instructions related to safety, work schedules, responsibilities and operational procedures. Supervisors, meanwhile, may need to communicate with workers who have different linguistic backgrounds.
Using a language that employees understand, or providing appropriate translation where necessary, can help reduce misunderstandings.
The incident involving the Zomato supervisor demonstrates how quickly a workplace disagreement can become a wider public controversy when it involves language identity and is recorded on video.
Viral videos amplify local disputes
The rapid spread of the video also illustrates the growing role of social media in workplace disputes.
An exchange that might otherwise have remained an internal workplace matter quickly reached a much wider audience after the video was circulated online.
The resulting reaction included public criticism, demands for action and protests outside the workplace.
For employees and employers alike, such incidents can have consequences beyond the immediate workplace, particularly when statements are interpreted as discriminatory or disrespectful towards a regional language.
Broader implications for Bengaluru workplaces
Bengaluru has one of India’s most diverse workforces, with people from Karnataka and other states working across technology, logistics, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and other sectors.
Multilingual workplaces can function effectively when communication is based on mutual understanding and respect.
The latest controversy highlights the importance of employers having clear workplace policies covering communication, employee dignity and respectful conduct.
It also underlines the need to handle disagreements internally before they escalate into public confrontations.
Conclusion
A Zomato warehouse supervisor in Bengaluru has faced public backlash after a viral video showed him telling employees to learn Hindi or leave their jobs. The remarks triggered a police petition and protests outside the warehouse.
The supervisor later apologised in Kannada and said he would not repeat the mistake. The incident has renewed discussion about Kannada, Hindi and workplace communication in Bengaluru, while the reported police action and allegations remain separate from any determination of legal guilt.