In Bengaluru, a Zomato delivery executive named Abdul was reportedly injured in a road accident while on duty. A social media user, Anirban Samanta, posted the incident on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the delivery executive did not receive timely help from Zomato’s customer support. The post went viral, sparking discussions about gig workers’ safety and the responsibility of companies towards them.
Abdul was said to be in pain, with a swollen leg, and was shivering on the roadside. Despite multiple calls to customer care, no ambulance or emergency support arrived. Passersby and strangers eventually helped him reach a nearby clinic for treatment.
Strangers Show More Humanity Than Company
According to Anirban’s post, around 17–18 strangers came together to assist Abdul. He expressed shock that Zomato, the company he works for, did not act promptly. Many social media users supported the post, saying that gig workers often face dangerous situations without sufficient company support.
Anirban also shared Abdul’s phone number, urging Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal and other officials to take strict action against the customer care agent who mishandled the situation. He highlighted the need for everyone to be more considerate and help gig workers whenever possible.
Zomato Responds to the Complaint
Following the viral post, Zomato’s official X handle responded to the allegations. The company assured that it takes the safety and well-being of its delivery partners seriously. In their message, Zomato wrote:
“Hi Anirban, we take the well-being of our delivery partners very seriously and actively support them in such situations. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’ve noted the details and are checking on the delivery partner on priority.”
Gig Economy Safety Challenges
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by delivery agents in the gig economy. While Zomato and other firms like Swiggy claim to provide accident insurance, medical coverage, and 24×7 emergency contacts, gaps remain between promises and actual support. Delivery executives often risk their lives on roads daily, balancing tight deadlines and unsafe conditions.
Experts say that the gig economy has created flexibility for workers but also exposed them to vulnerabilities. Prompt and proper emergency responses are crucial to ensure their safety.
Conclusion
This incident is a reminder that companies must actively protect their delivery partners and not just provide insurance or policies. Genuine support, timely emergency response, and accountability from customer care teams are essential to prevent such situations in the future.
FAQs
Q1: What happened to the Zomato delivery agent in Bengaluru?
A1: Abdul, a Zomato delivery executive, was injured in a road accident and reportedly did not receive immediate help from the company. Strangers helped him reach a clinic.
Q2: How did Zomato respond to the complaint?
A2: Zomato acknowledged the concern on their official X handle and assured that they were checking on the delivery partner on priority.
Q3: Are delivery agents insured by Zomato?
A3: Yes, Zomato provides accident insurance and medical coverage for its delivery partners, along with 24×7 emergency support.
Q4: Why do incidents like this happen despite insurance policies?
A4: While policies exist, timely action and proper emergency response often lag, exposing delivery workers to risks in real-life situations.
Q5: How can the public help delivery agents?
A5: Citizens can assist injured workers, report incidents responsibly, and support companies in enforcing better safety measures.