A disturbing incident in Bengaluru, where a food delivery executive was assaulted by restaurant staff for speaking Kannada, has sparked public outrage and ignited a fierce debate about language issues in the city. The incident, which occurred at a cafe near Hesaraghatta Road, was captured in a CCTV footage that quickly went viral, drawing attention from social media users and prompting a response from local authorities.
The viral footage, widely shared on various social platforms, shows a heated altercation between the food delivery executive and the restaurant staff. Although the majority of the conversation is not clearly audible, the executive is heard stating, “I am not saying anything, I am talking in Kannada.” Moments later, the situation escalates, and the delivery executive is seen being punched, kicked, verbally abused, and dragged across the restaurant’s premises. The assault left the delivery executive injured and humiliated.
The Bengaluru City Police responded to the viral video by issuing a statement on social media, assuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted. The authorities have directed the concerned department to look into the incident and take appropriate action. However, the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified by HT.com at the time of reporting.
Kannada guy : said order in Kannada, A Hindi shopkeeper attacked brutally food delivery guy in Bengaluru. Where we are heading towards? #kannada #karnataka pic.twitter.com/VauSf5caaw
— Karnataka Update (@about_karnataka) February 4, 2025
Social Media Reacts to the Incident
The CCTV footage has stirred a heated debate on social media, with many users claiming that the food delivery executive, a Kannada speaker, was attacked by non-Kannada-speaking restaurant staff simply for speaking the local language. This has fueled concerns about language-based tensions in Bengaluru, especially with the city’s growing influx of migrants from various parts of India.
Many social media users expressed outrage over the incident, calling for stronger actions against businesses that disrespect the local language and culture. One user wrote, “A Kannadiga delivery boy was brutally attacked by a group of Hindi-speaking workers near Chikkabanavara, Bengaluru, just for asking them to speak in Kannada. This growing linguistic arrogance must be condemned! Karnataka belongs to Kannadigas, and speaking Kannada here is a right, not a privilege.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding consequences for such establishments. “Cancel the license of businesses that disrespect local culture. Karnataka’s businesses should uplift local workers, not import outsiders who show linguistic chauvinism,” another user posted.
Language Disputes and Migrant Workers in Karnataka
This incident has reignited discussions about language disputes in Bengaluru, especially regarding the treatment of Kannada speakers and migrant workers. The viral video has intensified calls for the implementation of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Bengaluru to regulate the entry of migrants and safeguard the rights of local residents.
Supporters of the ILP argue that the influx of non-Kannada-speaking migrants has led to a sense of cultural erosion in the city. They believe that an ILP would ensure better integration of migrants into the local culture and prevent incidents like the one captured on CCTV.
However, opponents of the ILP view the move as discriminatory, arguing that Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan nature should be celebrated, and all residents should be free to speak any language without fear of retaliation or abuse. The ongoing debate highlights the complex issue of language and migration in Karnataka.
Police Investigation Underway
In response to the widespread outrage, the Bengaluru City Police have assured that they are taking the matter seriously. They have promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, including questioning the restaurant staff and determining whether any criminal charges should be filed against those involved in the assault. The police have also emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order while respecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region.
Conclusion
The attack on a Kannada-speaking food delivery executive in Bengaluru has sparked outrage and brought the issue of language-based tensions to the forefront. The viral CCTV footage has prompted calls for stronger legal protections for Kannada speakers and better treatment of migrant workers. As investigations into the assault continue, Bengaluru’s ongoing struggle with language issues remains a contentious and evolving topic, one that is likely to shape future discussions on migration and cultural identity in the city.
