Bengaluru: A delivery executive working with the quick-commerce platform Blinkit has been accused of assaulting a customer following a dispute during a late-night delivery. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
Dispute reportedly began during late-night delivery
According to a complaint filed by Paul J Vithayathil, the incident occurred around 2 am on March 7 after he placed an order through the Blinkit mobile application.
As per the complaint, the delivery executive initially reached an incorrect location while attempting to deliver the order. When the customer contacted him and requested that the delivery be brought to the correct doorstep, an argument allegedly broke out between the two.
The disagreement reportedly escalated when the delivery executive arrived at the customer’s residence.
Allegation of physical assault
In his complaint, Vithayathil alleged that the delivery executive walked up to his residence and physically assaulted him during the confrontation.
He stated that the delivery worker allegedly punched him on the nose during the altercation. The complaint further claims that the delivery executive threw the ordered items and fled from the spot immediately after the incident.
Following the alleged assault, the injured customer sought medical attention.
Medical examination confirms injury
Medical examination conducted after the incident reportedly confirmed that the complainant had sustained injuries.
According to the complaint, doctors conducted scans, including an X-ray of the bilateral nasal bones, which confirmed the presence of a nasal bone fracture.
Based on the injuries sustained by the complainant, a medico-legal case was registered.
Police convert NCR into FIR
Police initially registered a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) after receiving the complaint. However, after reviewing the details of the incident and the medical findings, the case was later converted into a First Information Report (FIR).
Officials stated that the conversion of the NCR into an FIR allows police to carry out a detailed investigation into the allegations.
Police seek details from company
As part of the investigation, police have contacted Blinkit to obtain details about the delivery executive involved in the incident.
Authorities are attempting to identify the individual and verify the sequence of events leading up to the alleged assault.
Police officials said statements from the complainant and other relevant parties will be recorded as part of the investigation.
Investigation in progress
The case has drawn attention to safety concerns during late-night deliveries and interactions between customers and delivery personnel.
Police said they will examine all aspects of the complaint before taking further action. Investigators are also expected to review records related to the order and delivery through the company’s platform.
Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.