Video of Cargills staff brutally assaulting female goes viral

22 September 2023 05:00 pm - 79 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A video showing a group of staff members from a Cargills supermarket outlet brutally assaulting a female customer is circulating on social media.

The incident is reported to have occurred at the Cargills outlet in the Hanwella area. However, police have launched an investigation to confirm the location and identify the suspects.

CCTV footage captured multiple male and female employees from the outlet brutally assaulting the customer, allegedly in response to suspected theft.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Cargills management on the incident is as follows: (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

Comments - 79

Cargills Police Friday, 22 September 2023 05:45 PM

If Police are not doing their job, someone else has to do their job for them.

Economic blunders of rulers, and the poor pay a price. Friday, 22 September 2023 05:57 PM

The young woman stands with her bra, and the staff who assaulted her can be seen running away from the scene; Does this indicate that a mistake has been committed?

DD Friday, 22 September 2023 06:18 PM

The actions of the Cargills employees in the assault on the customer are absolutely unacceptable and inexcusable. Instead of taking the law into their own hands, they should have followed the appropriate procedures by apprehending the suspected thief and involving the police. It's important to let the legal system handle such matters to ensure fairness and justice. There could indeed be a human element to this situation, as she could be a pregnant lady or someone who lost her job and resorted to theft to feed her children. It's crucial to consider all circumstances before making judgments.

Lucky the woman was not taken to police, she'd beaten up more Friday, 22 September 2023 07:05 PM

Recently upcountry Tamil woman was taken into police custody healthy and well, and assulted brutally by police she died. The customer is lucky the wicked staff members didn't set the police on her. Cargills have to be investigated as clearly this is management issue coming with orders from the top.

Razlin Friday, 22 September 2023 07:28 PM

This is cargills normal policy of harassing public if there is a theft or not, this similar incident happened to one of friend in cargills Nuwareliya where they beat him in their store room and asked for a letter saying that he stole

Wasana Friday, 22 September 2023 07:29 PM

They're not a team of staff but a gang of thugs.

Dasa Friday, 22 September 2023 07:45 PM

Case can be shoplifting but can supper market staff assault a person in a such inhuman manner on some videos it visible lady was made half undress is public , what a shame for large corporate like Cargills .

Chulan Friday, 22 September 2023 07:49 PM

What a thugs , Cargills will not take any action against staff they want this culture to continue to avoid shoplifting . If Cargills management is genuine take staff to courts for this act.

Sivalingam Friday, 22 September 2023 07:53 PM

Owners Ranjith Page are terrorists, Cargills was started with LTTE money, What can you expect from a terrorist funded family.

Kandiah Balendran Friday, 22 September 2023 07:53 PM

Cargills is a rotten place with criminals from top to bottom.

Kabir Hashim Friday, 22 September 2023 07:54 PM

Shame on Cargills, junior employees follow the example set from the top.

Sylvester R. Alwis Friday, 22 September 2023 08:18 PM

The Cargills management should take the responsibility as I can see with my own experience that their staff are poorly trained or not trained at all, especially they seem to hire most of the people from remote villages without any socialization. Twice I wrote to Cargills complaining about rude behavior of their staff and a security, but never got any reply from them. Since then I started going to their competitors who employ decent staff.

Citizens Friday, 22 September 2023 08:21 PM

First it was House of Fashion staff who brutally assaulted a customer. Now it's Cargills staff. Is this the new trend these days??

Redflame Friday, 22 September 2023 09:04 PM

Shame...Shame...Shame on you Cargills. This is not the way to handle shoplifting case. The woman was beaten down on the floor and her head knocked on metal bar. Where is your customer service and ethics?

Grace Friday, 22 September 2023 09:31 PM

Barbarism is at its peak in the country which has 2500 years old proud history.

Amal Fernando Friday, 22 September 2023 10:00 PM

Shame shame Shame Is this the management style of Cargills? We are waiting to see whether these 3rd grade employees will be produced in courts

Sandiya Friday, 22 September 2023 10:12 PM

So ashamed of and disappointed in the female staff. They stripped or tore off the other female's blouse and had her standing in her inner garment. A proper woman would have covered her. But no...the young people these days are frightening. They have no values. Whatever the crime may have been, that was not the way to handle it. Truly hope the victim files s human rights case.

A consumer Friday, 22 September 2023 11:01 PM

Similar incident happened in another outlet recently. A huge man (Manager) boxed and hammered a skeleton like boy inside the outlet for robbing a packet of cheese. Instead of calling the police why brutality?

A consumer Friday, 22 September 2023 11:01 PM

Similar incident happened in another outlet recently. A huge man (Manager) boxed and hammered a skeleton like boy inside the outlet for robbing a packet of cheese. Instead of calling the police why brutality?

Sisil Sudesh Friday, 22 September 2023 11:18 PM

A similar incident went around in YouTube a few months ago. Then also the Keels management apologized on behalf of the staff members involved. This is becoming too much. We must boycott Keels unless they mend their ways.

Fahim KNIGHT Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:02 AM

First, there was an issue with House of Fashion, and now, at Cargills, some of the supermarket staff and security personnel exhibit a significant attitude problem. They act as though customers are beneath them, and what's even worse is the behavior of certain security personnel. They conspicuously shadow you, as if you were a wanted criminal. When incidents like this occur, it doesn't matter who has been physically harmed; customers must unite and demand compensation. Tomorrow, it could be another customer facing such treatment. The day I witnessed a couple being brutally assaulted at House of Fashion, I made a firm decision never to set foot in that place again, not even as an accompanying guest,because they wield considerable influence and power, it enabled them to evade consequences. People need to make a collective decision; this situation must come to an end. The management's statement holds no value;

Fahim Knight Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:05 AM

Cont.. they have security cameras, and if they can't produce evidence from them, it implies an attempt to falsely accuse the customer. What do these individuals think of themselves? It's high time we provide more business to lawyers.

Sam Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:45 AM

This behaviour of general population is expected the day the lawyers went on protest marches during Aragalaya.

Rishinath Saturday, 23 September 2023 01:50 AM

Cargills, your action falls short of what is expected. Even if the woman is culpable, your staff does not enjoy any legal rights to assault her brutally. If the country is governed based on the rule of law, this may not have happened especially to those marginalized in the society.

dotv Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:07 AM

When I was the official interpreter in Victoria Australia ..I was called by police one day to speak with two Srilankan females who had been caught shoplifting at Myers that day ..to reassure the distressed that they would be warned only ..but not to repeat this behavior ..yes even a king shop lifted did he not ?Its compulsive behavior , not a huge crime ..

Policy Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:26 AM

Shoplifting is something that's common all over the world. All busibessses, particularly supermarkets, should anticipate sporadic shoplifting and therefore should have policy and proceedures for their staff to deal with such incidents. The question is did Cargills have such measures in place? It's unlikely this is the first instance of shoplifting at Cargills. If it is so what actions did Cargills take to deal with such incidents having experienced shoplifting in the past? If policy and procedures are in place It's straightforward to deal with the staff who have taken matters into their own hand.

SL society Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:37 AM

Such regular and frequent incidents is an indication SL as a society in which direction is digressing. Pathetic.

Rajiv De Silva Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:30 AM

Another example of no law and order and no one cares

Neville Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:10 AM

I will not be giving my future business to this super market chain. I choose to boycott them as I cannot agree the values and behaviors demonstrated by their customer facing staff.

Janaka Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:24 AM

They should rebrand themselves as 'Pahara Dena Gaman'.

Gamini Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:32 AM

Security watches on as various levels of staff set upon the customer. The outcome appears to be management failiure. Staff demonstrate the corporate values. Based on comments here it does not seem to be an isolated incident at this supermarket chain. Must avoid shopping at Cargills.

Iqbal Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:45 AM

Corporate social responsibility! People should boycott this company.

ERAN Wicks Saturday, 23 September 2023 06:21 AM

Stop shopping at Cargills and teach the bullies a lesson.

Modaya Saturday, 23 September 2023 06:53 AM

Taking law into hands amidst law enforcement authorities are in dead sleep.

ariya fernan Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:08 AM

This is typical Cargills style. Last year at Battaramulla Cargills a security staff attacked an innocent customer for taking his hand bag inside. The Customer made a complain at the Thalangama Police station. The Security guy was just trasferred to Dehiwala brach. That is the only thing the Management did. Ever since the customer has made it a point to not go to this Branch for anything. Shame on you guys.

jothika Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:21 AM

cargills used to be good, recent years most of the branches staff are trained just to handle product related issues only, no customer care or customer understanding skills at all, they do their jobs as if customers are a nuisance, no wonder other places are catching up with more customer friendly approach, update the uniforms, give better training on how to approach different situations, manager of branch also responsible big time for any problems in his branch

maha Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:22 AM

entire country look how the Law will enact in this barbaric country.

Rashmi Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:37 AM

I stopped going to Cargills long time ago. Their service is absolutely horrible. Most of their staff is rude, not trained properly

Terrence K Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:43 AM

Damn Shame Cargills which makes billions of profits just to safeguard their corporate image takes the law into their hands. No one condones a theft but just for a few thousand of rupees human life means nothing to these Corporates. When the Public purse was robbed by our ruling politicians if this Kangaroo Court Justice was meted out to this customer what is the Justice that should be meted to the rogues of the ruling party ? Answer is in the Public domain ?

CJ Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:01 AM

It's highly questionable whether the Organisation has established corporate level policies, code of conduct and a culture to train staff how to deal with customers and resolve disputes in a professional, ethical and humane manner. It's surprising and shocking why none of the staff members or the outlet management came forward to control this violent and aggressive behaviour. None of them showed any sign of restraint. As advocates of a civilised society, everyone should strongly condemn this behaviour in order to avoid its repetition. HR lawyers and institutions have a duty to help her fight for justice.

Romesh Wickremasinge Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:14 AM

To the Victim of this unjustified degree of brutality, Please hire yourself the best lawyers and Sue Cargills as it is a practice advised by management to act on theft. A country can not move forward with Lawless actions and zero consequences as this. Every one should boycott These low end outlets and run them out of business so a more classier establishment can take over.

Mahi Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:27 AM

Failed state. No regard for law anywhere. People take the law in to own hands and act like barbarians. Tourists BEWARE

Am Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:29 AM

Shoplifting happens even in affluent countries. But they don't react like this. In SRI LANKA, Politicians rob money that owned by the public. NO INVESTIGATION WAS CARRIED OUT. But innocent civilians suffer with hunger which is beyond control

kukula Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:42 AM

This is a management issue. The staff are penalised for losses at all Cargills outlets due to theft and shortage. The poor salaries been paid to the staff, such penalties causes loss of income. Therefore under these circumstances the staff is bound to take the law into their own hand. The statement issued by Cargills is just meaningless. Just a cover-up. I am told that the management of Cargills treat staff poorly.

disgruntled customer Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:47 AM

Cargills was once a reputed business enterprise for the rich. Since it's transformation into a grocery store in recent years the quality, standard and service like everything else in the country after the locals took over the management has deteriorated to a new low.

Siripala Saturday, 23 September 2023 08:49 AM

Some of the Cargill's staff have problems with their attitudes. Shame on you Cargills.

Surain Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:45 AM

This is horrific no excuse for assaulting a customer for theft. country law has no value government is sleeping while enjoying wine dying Police pease arrest all involve

Wasantha Wijenayake Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:46 AM

"We have taken action to suspend and commence investigations" What does this mean, really?

A Former Cargills Customer Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:11 AM

Cargills did something similar to this to me as well in 2017. Those days were heavy days of my life since my mother passed away about 3 weeks ago the incidence happened. I parked my car, and went to a Cargills in an evening, and if I remember right, this place was somewhere between Mawanella and Kadugannawa. The time was about their closing time, but it was still open. I stopped my car, got down, however, I thought they may be closing soon, so I went back to my car. Then two employees came and told me to go ahead and buy the items that I need and that they were still open. So I went back and entered the building. The employees inside the building didn't like me buying anything. They kept on switching off lights in every aisle I went. I didn't realize what was going on, I went to aisles where the lights were still on. Then they switched off all the lights inside, and pushed me out. My knees and elbow got wounded. I had a flight to the US next morning, so I didn't complain to police.

Lanil Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:19 AM

Cargills stated vision : To be a global corporate role model in community – friendly national development. Nice words. Practice and reality fall far short.

Manuka Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:21 AM

Hope some good lawyers step up to provide pro bono services to the victim of this aggravated assault.

royden Saturday, 23 September 2023 11:51 AM

Most of the Cargills staff in many outlets are -tugs why is staff taking the Law into their own hands people should boycott These low-end outlets their service is absolutely horrible. Most of their staff is rude, people should stop going to Cargills

wsw Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:22 PM

@Cargills Police- so what role of the police have these staff members decided to take upon themselves? Assault the living daylights out of a suspected shoplifter.

Ranjith Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:40 PM

After independence this is where we are now what a shame no discipline in the country members of parliament has not set an example to the people so this is how people are behaving

roni Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:41 PM

This is not a PAGE but a chapter written by Cargills. who moto says it all ON YOUR HOME this is the treatment we provide. This supermarket chain should be boycotted. The staff at the counters are not trained and for cheap labor they are employed. They need to compete in a dignified manner.

Ranjith Saturday, 23 September 2023 12:45 PM

Its time to change the whole system even its too late first install discipline in the country start from home, school, universities, religious institutes, Parliament and Presidents office otherwise no future for srilanka

Tilak Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:04 PM

The only way senior management would truely understand that this behavior is not accepted by the public would be by total boycott of their supermarket to hurt their gravy train and bottom line. It would prove to be a good lesson for other establishments too.

Nalin Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:21 PM

This year Cargills was honoured to have won the SLIM KANTAR People's Award for 'Supermarket Brand of the Year' for the second consecutive year. As the largest food retailer in the country, Cargills Food City was said to have become a household brand trusted by millions of Sri Lankans. The award was said to be a reflection of the brands’ continuous commitment to customers, suppliers, producers, vendors, and team members. SLIM KANTAR was want to revisit their judgement in this regard.

A shopper Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:21 PM

The staff at Cargills did what they did because they knew it was accepted practice. The offenders have been suspended now but after some time when the public anger subsides, the offenders will be recalled.

Lasantha Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:27 PM

Hope this incident is not swept under the carpet by shoving a bit of cash in front of victim. There needs to be accountability and repercussions for such a serious incident. It's time the consumers voice is made and heard loud and clear. No

Sarath Guruge Saturday, 23 September 2023 02:45 PM

Cargill have lost their superiority long time ago. They now are a mere super store maintaining local standards

Adwani Saturday, 23 September 2023 03:19 PM

Shoplifting is one, the thief should not get aggressive when caught, this usually happens where the thief always try to prove innocent in an aggressive manner. The result will be the same as what happened.

Siva Saturday, 23 September 2023 03:36 PM

Cargills should be downgraded when awarding awards hereafter so that others learn how to behave with customers even in the event of theft. Partly people lost the faith on police because of recent killing including the 6 yr old girl

Saranapala Kankanam Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:13 PM

Looks like Cargills now own by a group of poloticians from public stolen money!

Kaysen N Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:30 PM

Aiyo. President AKD will soon be nationalising Cargills and make it another Sathosa. Then staff need not worry. No need to work. Salary paid by taxpayers, pension at retirement, foreign trips to study supermarkets, and everyone free to rob.

ChildOfGod Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:48 PM

ChildOfGod This incident is NOT acceptable, employees taking the LAW into their own hands. By the way, was this victim the only Customer in the store at the time of the incident? (which is doubtful). Why didn't one of the Customers present call the POLICE. Why do staff have to pay for stolen or shortfall of goods in the store, it's the responsibility of the STORE to have their own security system or is "responsible for securing all goods in store" in their job description?. All I can say to BOARD AND MANAGEMENT is "SHAME SHAME ON YOU, INSTALL OWN SECURITY SYSTEM, TRAIN YOUR STAFF ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HOW TO HANDLE A SITUATION WHEN ANYONE IS CAUGHT STEALING AND HAVE A HEART FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE".

Smart lawyers Saturday, 23 September 2023 04:55 PM

The woman should sue Cargill's for millions. Hire a lawyer women, we will represent you on no win no fee basis.

Mahesh Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:09 PM

Everyone these days talking the law

Shah Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:27 PM

This kind of behavior started way back in 1956 when Banda made Sinhala Only. From then onwards...standards have gone down beyond imagination.

George Saturday, 23 September 2023 05:48 PM

This is the reason many expatriates

Barbarians Saturday, 23 September 2023 06:07 PM

Sri Lanka a land of Violence, harassments, what else can you expect.

hiroshan satharasinghe Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:05 PM

Is this the generation gap?

Gee Saturday, 23 September 2023 07:22 PM

I dont think ive seen Cargills staff work this hard in years

Rohantha Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:29 PM

Look at Cargills Statement. It self shows lack of professionalism as it is without any name of authority.. Cargills has to learn about Customer Relationship from the begining , Top to Bottom

Cyril T Saturday, 23 September 2023 09:37 PM

I agree with the sentiments of many others. Just boycott Cargills Supermarkets ! This is the only way we as customers can show our disapproval. The statement by the management makes it even worse. They have not even used the word 'suspected' shoplifting. The footage does not show the girl to be found with any shoplifted items. It appears that she is offering to be checked. Would any thief do that ? But Cargills management is quick to come to a conclusion that this is 'shoplifting'. This shows their approach is to show that they are going to take stern action but in fact hide this under the carpet, after sometime and go on as if nothing happened.

Gona Saturday, 23 September 2023 10:24 PM

Most Cargills staff members are estate tamils who are born crude. They have the Thondaman mindset. However the management should be responsible for this behaviour. The management too is crude.

Fahim Knight Sunday, 24 September 2023 07:00 AM

Thank you, Editor at the Daily Mirror, for keeping us informed and for providing a platform for citizens to voice their concerns. We would greatly appreciate it if you could update us on the actions taken by the Minister responsible for security up to this point. Those individuals must be apprehended, detained, and formally charged. We are not interested in the management's apology. My message is not directed towards all the staff members of Cargills or any other supermarket or service providers. However, it is crucial for all individuals in service roles to recognize that there are some among them who exhibit poor behavior, are needlessly rude, and not only service providers but everyone else should understand that assaulting people will be treated as a crime subject to severe penalties.

woMen who ask for equal rights deserve same treatment Sunday, 24 September 2023 11:32 AM

If this thief thug was a man nobody would shout like this. WOMEN WHO SHOUT AND APPEAR FOR EQUAL RIGHTS LIKE MEN when do robbery or theft should be treated the same way as to men. No need to change the response whether it s male or female, but equal treatment. And Cargills staff is of course not that crazy and mad to hit an innocent.

Women who do jobs are no superior to women at home Sunday, 24 September 2023 12:25 PM

I also dont think Cargills workers are that insane to beat an innocent woman. There should be some reason for this incident that is not caught in video. Our people are clever to make judgement based on short video clip, another example showing how poor analytical skills the majority possesses. Yes, women who ask for equal rights also must be allowed to go on the footboard in buses like men, because now a days there is a trend in women who do jobs think they are so superior than women staying at home. Maybe some women who stay as house wife do so to take care of their children, or to balance the family when husband is doing a busy, more professional job.

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Video of Cargills staff brutally assaulting female goes viral

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