The hot-headed man who’s gone viral for going ballistic over a parking-fee reminder from his condo security guards has apologized for his verbal harassment and overreaction.
Eight Riversuites resident Ramesh Erramalli was reportedly very remorseful when he met with senior security supervisor Steven Heng in an hour-long meeting Wednesday to apologize for screaming profanities at him after being asked to pay for his guests’ visits during festivities for Deepavali – the Hindu festival of lights.
“Mr Ramesh Acknowledged [senior security supervisor] Steven was a very humble and good Security Supervisor and he did not mean to Hurt Or harm him in any way. He was worked up over the MCST Rule of collecting $10 parking fees for the overnight parking,” read a statement from Gary Haris of the security guard association.
Erramalli quickly became one of the most hated men in the Singaporean-net when a video of him screaming vulgarities at Heng and other security guards went viral over the weekend. But more than just public condemnation, an official police report was also filed against Erramalli on Tuesday for harassment – although it is unclear who made the complaint.
But Haris said in the statement that Erramalli, a 44-year-old Indian man, knew Heng quite well from the conversations they’ve had while the guard patrols the estate.
“Steven also acknowledged that Mr Ramesh was a friendly and approachable resident and always addressed him as uncle Steven. He had forgiven Mr Ramesh wholeheartedly and thanked him for coming personally to apologise to him,” the statment continued, adding that both parties want to bury the hatchet.
“Steven also urges everyone to forgive Mr Ramesh and forget this unfortunate incident. … Let’s appreciate and respect the security personnel whom are working very hard to keep Singapore Safe and Secure.”
In the original video, a blue car can be seen stopped in front of a security post of a condominium as Erramalli yells at Heng and other guards. His friends had come over at about 10:30pm for Deepavali celebrations, according to Asia One.
“I buy a fucking property for US$1.5 million, you know. This is US$1.5 million okay? No, you’re not understanding my problem, you’re putting my visitors in such a position. You’re telling me for Deepavali they can’t visit after 11 o’clock?” Erramalli can be heard yelling angrily. The security guards, in turn, keeps telling the apartment owner that they are simply “enforcing the rules, sir.”
“I leave the car here, you do whatever you want to do! Call the police! Fuck off!… Tell the management fuck off! What is this nonsense? It’s Deepavali so all Indians right? Indians no visiting,” Erramalli presses on, accusing the security of racism toward him and his friends.
“Sir, you can play $10, and you can go inside. … This is the rule we are enforcing only. This is the management rule,” the security guard says, to which Erramalli grows increasingly frustrated.
The video was uploaded Friday to YouTube and quickly blew up online. Since then, Erramali says he’s been doxxed, with the details of his condo unit, mobile phone number, alleged salary, education history and employer published online as people petitioned JP Morgan to fire him.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs said police were investigating the report lodged against Erramalli.
“The police take a stern view toward any abusive behavior against security officers who are carrying out their duties,” a spokesman told Asia One.
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