Previous post 1 - https://np.reddit.com/r/bangalore/comments/149xp9k/cult_rajajinagar_12th_cross_discrimination_case/

Previous post 2 - https://np.reddit.com/r/bangalore/comments/14c7jtl/cult_rajajinagar_12th_cross_discrimination_case

Conversation Recording - https://youtu.be/ZebQjAw8Djk

Location - https://cult.fit/cult/center/rajajinagar/Cult-Rajajinagar-12th-Cross/746 https://goo.gl/maps/YSHya8QyX1JJ9h3e9

Linkdn - https://bit.ly/43Oy079 (unable to post direct url)

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ravisingh88718/status/1669286481506992130

T1: Trainer 1 (SACHIN) G1: Girl 1

I feel compelled to share a recent experience that has left me disheartened and disappointed. I have always loved the warmth and courtesy of the people in Bengaluru since I first arrived here in 2019. The city has been a welcoming home to me, and I have made some wonderful friends along the way. I even took the initiative to learn the basics of Kannada and embraced the local culture with open arms. However, my recent encounters have left me questioning the inclusivity that I once admired.

In April 2023, I joined the Cult Elite Gym in Rajajinagar 12th Cross, and from the very beginning, I sensed an inexplicable aura. Some trainers (not all) seemed to have a biased attitude towards me for no apparent reason. Even when I greeted them with a smile, they did not respond, which left me confused. As a friendly and outgoing person, I have always been able to strike up conversations with anyone. I have faced similar attitudes from a few (not many) auto rickshaw drivers in the past, but I chose to overlook it, assuming they had their reasons. Little did I know that something similar awaited me at the gym.

Allow me to rewind a few weeks before discussing the current situation. On May 1st, 2023, I encountered a trainer named Deepak who exhibited inappropriate behavior towards me. While performing the shoulder press, a girl approached me (an employee) and asked if we could alternate using the bench. Naturally, I agreed, as it is common practice to share equipment at the gym. After she finished her set, I began my own. Suddenly, Deepak approached me and demanded that I step aside because the girl wanted to use the bench exclusively. I was taken aback by this, as the concept of "alternating" seemed to have eluded him. Despite the girl's pleas for him to let me finish my set, he forcefully pulled the bench away while I was still doing my sets on it. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but I promptly reported the incident to the gym management at Cult. Unfortunately, it appeared that no action was taken in response to my complaint. I even requested to review the CCTV footage, but received no response regarding this matter. During my phone conversation with the gym, I expressed my feeling of discrimination, as Deepak had never displayed such behavior towards others. It was highly abnormal for him to refuse an alternating exercise. Although the case was closed, I assumed it was an isolated incident. Attached is a screenshot of the complaint I lodged with Cult.

Fast forward to today, June 15th, 2023, when I encountered yet another distressing incident at the gym. I wanted to perform bicep curls and noticed an empty bench. Trainer T1 was standing next to it, seemingly waiting for someone. After observing for approximately 20-30 seconds and seeing no one approach, I sat down to use the bench. At that moment, T1 poked me and claimed that someone else was using the bench. I immediately got up, only for G1 to arrive and start using the bench for chest presses. I patiently waited for her to finish and then asked T1 if we could alternate, as no other lower bench was available. Disrespectfully, he gave a dismissive nod, implying his reluctance. Despite this, I sat on the bench and began my set. However, after approximately 60 seconds (mind you, concentration curls require focused attention and time), T1 poked me again and demanded that I immediately vacate the bench. I requested that he wait a few seconds until I completed my final rep, but instead, he started hurling abuses at me in a language I barely understood. I couldn't comprehend if the derogatory term "YOU PEOPLE" was directed at me due to my Northern background or perhaps my perceived lower caste. Meanwhile, G1 continued to occupy the bench, with a smile on her face. Frustrated, I had no choice but to abandon my exercise and find an alternative, as they were unwilling to relinquish the bench. I reminded T1 that he is an employee of Cult Fitness and should behave accordingly, to which he arrogantly proclaimed that he answers to no one and is an independent trainer. When I confronted him about his apparent dislike for me, he threatened me in a language I couldn't fully understand, presumably Kannada. He further warned that he would ensure my exclusion from the gym, a threat he ultimately succeeded in fulfilling. He called other trainers (all locals) and staff members, who united against me, leaving me with no support. However, despite the intimidating situation, I refused to be intimidated.

Still trusting in the system, I contemplated involving the police. I grabbed my water bottle and proceeded downstairs to the reception area to seek a resolution. To my surprise, I met the owner, Manju (if I recall his name correctly), for the first time. I had never seen him before, but he responded with a statement that deeply shocked me. He said, "Let's go to the police station together. I am a lawyer and well-versed in the law. You come here from outside and show intolerance towards Kannadigas, so why shouldn't Kannadigas behave the same way?" I was utterly stunned. It triggered a flashback to my childhood when I learned about discrimination, but I never believed it could persist among the educated and privileged. Unfortunately, my encounter with Manju confirmed otherwise. Meanwhile, T1 stood there, wearing a smug smile. I was at a loss for words, my mind momentarily blank. I requested Manju to review the CCTV footage. Together, we watched the footage, and it verified everything I had described earlier. The attached recording captures this moment, when we were reviewing the CCTV video.

I share this experience not to spread negativity or hate but to shed light on the discrimination I encountered. I believe in the power of awareness and dialogue to bring about change. It is disheartening to face such treatment, particularly in a place I once considered my second home. I urge everyone to reflect on the values of inclusivity, respect, and empathy that we should all uphold. No one should be subjected to discrimination based on their background or origin.

Thank you for taking the time to read my account. I hope that by sharing my story, we can initiate a meaningful conversation and work towards building a more accepting and inclusive society.

Edit: I am a business person, so that is the reason I don't have the time and energy to fight here legally. Neither I am justifying nor accusing any act. It is just the way I reacted and gathered as much as I can. It might be normal to a few but that is how it is. This is just the fact. May be there is nothing wrong in their behaviour as it is technically their place / property and I am actually an outsider but if I pay crores of tax every year to this state, a bit of respect was what I hoped for. Nothing much.

And no, I am not a newbie to gym. I have been going gym since a few years and helped many trainers in Bengaluru to get clients in multiple societies, many are good friends of mine. So, I have a good understanding of the gym atmosphere

Edit 2: I have already asked for refund from Cult yesterday. I received a reply that since I have posted this on reddit, their social media team will connect to further discuss on this. Till now no further update.. Also cult has replied to twitter post but it makes no sense (robotic response)

Edit 3: Received the call from cult and they discussed the case and requested to remove this post. (When you google Cult Rajajinagar 12th Cross, this post comes up as the post has got over 1Lakh views...) I am still awaiting refund on my membership fee paid

Edit 4, 17/6/23: Old Account got banned (may be reported multiple times so system blocked my account for spam even though there was only one post)

Edit 5, 19/6/23 : I recently learned from my fellow gym mates that Sachin, the trainer, is still conducting training sessions at the gym. Despite numerous requests to have the post removed along with the lack of any action from Cult on Manju, the owner, even the trainer has not faced any consequences.

Edit 6, 20/6/23: Second account got banned, still no resolution