Insensitive comments cost expat man his job

abu dhabi — A Keralite expat based in Oman was fired from his job on Sunday after he posted insensitive comments about the flood victims in the South Indian state, Khaleej Times has learnt.

Rahul Cheru Palayattu, a cashier working in the Lulu Group International’ Oman branch, had made fun of the sanitary needs of the flood victims while commenting on a Facebook post put up by volunteers on the ground.

“This is to inform that we have terminated your service with immediate effect because of your highly insensitive and derogatory comments on social media with regard to current flood situation in Kerala, India,” read his termination letter signed by Lulu’s HR manager in Oman.

After facing backlash on social media, Rahul posted a video on Facebook on Sunday publicly apologising for his behaviour. “I am really sorry for what I did. I was in an inebriated state when I posted that message. At that time I did not know what I did was a grave mistake.”

But his apology flew in the face of enraged Keralites who are battling the worst floods in a century. More than 370 people have been reported dead so far and half a million displaced after torrential rains and flooding submerged many of its districts.

V, Nandakumar, CCO of LuLu Group told Khaleej Times, the organisation “took immediate steps to terminate his services and send out a very loud and clear message to the society about our stance in such issues.” “We as an organisation have always stood for humanitarian values and highest ethical practices,” he added.