On September 23, 2024, a gruesome incident occurred in Lucknow when a 30-year-old delivery agent, Bharat Kumar, was killed after delivering two of the costliest smartphone models, the iPhone and Google Pixel. A man named Himanshu Kanaujia ordered these phones on Flipkart’s online marketplace and paid using the COD option. This incident has recently captured media attention, raising concerns about the safety of delivery personnel in India.
The Crime Unveiled
Bharat Kumar was only able to live up to the delivery of the phones at Kanaujia’s home when he was killed. Managers currently pressure many companies to adopt various safety measures.
For example, they should conduct background checks on customers, ensure that delivery personnel undergo safety training, and improve tracking systems for deliveries.Media sources depict the two as having planned to steal the smartphones from Bharat once they received the delivery, then proceeded to attack the poor man and end up killing him by throttling him.
The killers of Bharat tried their best to make a good get-away and even stuffed the decomposing body of Bharat in a sack and threw it into the Indira Canal. Bharat’s family filed a missing complaint to the police on September 25 when he did not come home, as everyone became concerned for him. This compelled the police to conduct a follow-up and, as expected, arrested Akash, who narrated to the police the whole plan of the act.
The Consequences and the Inquiry
Police investigating the matter began to hunt for Gajanan, who remains a fugitive from the law. Officers identified the alleged culprits through CCTV footage and call detail records, demonstrating how modern technology assists law enforcement in investigations. The death of Bharat highlights that delivery agents and drivers face accidents and risks while working daily.
In recent times, increasing cases of mugging and violence have targeted delivery service drivers in India. Not long ago, attackers struck similar incidents in other cities, where they assaulted drivers for carrying valuable goods. As online shopping and cash-on-delivery payment methods have risen, these delivery personnel have become vulnerable to such horrific incidents.
Social-Reusable and Safety Concerns
The case of committing a murder to Bharat Kumar makes one start questioning the safety measures taken for the delivery individuals. Given the growth of the gig economy, worker welfare is sacrosanct and this paper seeks to contribute to the existing literature with a focus on State regulation of worker safety and security.
Many companies currently feel pressure from managers to adopt various safety measures. For instance, companies should conduct background checks on customers, ensure that delivery personnel undergo safety training, and improve tracking systems for deliveries.
Moreover, it is crucial for people to understand the threats that delivery persons face in their daily lives. At the same time, a cultural change is necessary in how we perceive individuals working in the gig economy. Instead of viewing them as easily replaceable freelancers, we should recognize them as an essential part of the post-industrial economy. Furthermore, the outrage over Bharat’s death may serve as a catalyst, prompting companies and policymakers to take meaningful action.
For further insights into the gig economy and worker safety, you can read more on platforms like Forbes and The Guardian.
