In Nagpur, Maharashtra, a Blinkit delivery worker was attacked by a car owner and a passenger following a minor road incident, a video of which has gone viral on social media. The footage, captured by bystanders, shows the delivery worker being dragged away from his bike and repeatedly hit with punches, slaps, and a stick in broad daylight. The reason for the altercation is reported to be a minor collision on the road, though details remain unclear.
The attack comes at a time when gig workers across India are protesting unsafe working conditions and low pay. On New Year’s Eve, delivery workers from platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart went on a nationwide strike, disrupting food, grocery, and e-commerce deliveries. The strike was organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT).
Shaik Salauddin, president of TGPWU, said, “This protest is no longer just about pay cuts. It is about survival, safety, and basic rights. Thousands of workers are taking part to make sure their concerns are heard.”
Delivery workers described the hardships they face daily. One said, “We work 14 hours a day and earn barely ₹700–800. Even if an order is cancelled or delayed, the penalty falls on us. Sometimes our team leaders block our IDs if we complain.” Another added, “Initially, the rate system was fine, but now it is very difficult to earn a decent income. We don’t even get insurance if there is an accident.”
The workers’ union has submitted a list of 15 demands to the Union Labour Minister, including ending 10- and 20-minute delivery mandates, restoring old payout structures, guaranteeing minimum monthly earnings, preventing arbitrary ID blocking, and providing social security and insurance benefits.
Salauddin said, “We want the platforms and the government to take notice. Our work supports these companies, and yet we are left without proper pay or protection.” Delivery workers have warned that disruptions may continue until their concerns are addressed.
