Bengaluru: Grammy-winning composer and Padma Shri awardee Ricky Kej has raised serious concerns about personal safety and security after alleging that a food delivery executive trespassed into his residence and stole a sump cover, an incident he described as shocking and deeply unsettling. The alleged theft, which occurred on Thursday evening, was captured on CCTV cameras installed at his home and has since triggered widespread discussion online.
The incident came to public attention after Kej took to social media platform X on Saturday to share details of what he believes was a targeted act of theft. According to the composer, the incident occurred at around 6 pm, and the individual involved appeared to be a delivery executive associated with a popular online food ordering platform.
Alleged trespass and theft caught on camera
In his post, Ricky Kej claimed that the person entered the premises of his home without authorisation and removed the sump cover. What added to his alarm was the discovery that the same individual had allegedly visited the house roughly 15 minutes earlier, which Kej believes may have been an attempt to survey the premises before returning to commit the theft.
“I was robbed! Looks like one of your drivers entered my home on Thursday and stole our sump-cover. Quite bold of them!” Kej wrote, tagging the food delivery company and its customer support handle.
To substantiate his claims, Kej shared CCTV footage recorded from two different camera angles. The visuals allegedly show the individual entering the property and later leaving with the sump cover. Along with the video clips, Kej also uploaded close-up images of the suspect’s face and details of the two-wheeler reportedly used during the incident.
Appeal to police and public
Kej also tagged Bengaluru City Police in his post, requesting assistance in identifying the person seen in the footage. He urged authorities to take the matter seriously, highlighting the potential risk such incidents pose to residents.
“Possible for you to provide assistance, as to who this person is? Also, people, be vigilant. This can happen to you too!” he wrote, warning others to remain alert.
The post quickly went viral, drawing attention from both law enforcement authorities and the food delivery company named in the allegation. Many users expressed concern over the ease with which someone could allegedly enter a private residence under the guise of making a delivery.
Response from food delivery company
The food delivery platform responded publicly to Kej’s post, stating that the allegation was serious and not in line with the company’s standards or values. In a reply posted on X, the company said it would investigate the matter urgently.
“Hi Ricky, this is really concerning, and we certainly don’t encourage such behaviour from our delivery partners. We’ll investigate this immediately so that necessary action can be taken,” the company stated. It also requested Kej to share his contact details privately to facilitate a follow-up and internal inquiry.
While the company did not confirm whether the individual seen in the footage was indeed one of its delivery partners, it assured that appropriate action would be taken if the allegations were found to be true.
Police seek details for investigation
Bengaluru City Police also responded to Kej’s public appeal, asking him to share his phone number and the exact location of the incident so that further action could be initiated. Police sources indicated that once the details are received, officers would examine the CCTV footage and verify whether a criminal offence had been committed.
Officials noted that theft cases involving small but essential household infrastructure, such as sump covers, have been reported in parts of the city, often due to the resale value of materials like metal.
Public reaction and safety concerns
The incident sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with several users expressing shock that such an act could occur in a residential area during the early evening hours. Others offered suggestions to Kej on improving home security.
One user suggested installing warning signs, writing, “Put a ‘Beware of Dog’ board on the gate. Simple and easy way to stop random people opening the gate.” Another commented on preventive measures, advising the use of heavier materials: “Please get an RCC cover for ₹1,200. Nobody will steal it.”
Some users also raised broader concerns about background verification of delivery executives and the safety implications of allowing easy access to residential premises.
Ricky Kej’s public profile
Ricky Kej is a Bengaluru-based composer and environmentalist who has won multiple Grammy Awards and was conferred the Padma Shri for his contribution to music and environmental advocacy. Known for his work that blends Indian classical elements with global music traditions, Kej is also an active public figure who frequently engages with civic and social issues.
Given his public standing, the incident has drawn heightened attention and renewed discussions around urban safety, delivery protocols, and accountability of platform-based services.
Conclusion
While investigations are still at an early stage, Ricky Kej’s allegations and the CCTV footage he shared have raised important questions about residential security and the responsibilities of delivery platforms operating in large cities. As police and the company involved follow up on the matter, the incident serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant and for service providers to ensure strict adherence to safety and conduct standards among their workforce.