Hyderabad: Zepto delivery rider killed in crash, reignites debate on ‘10-minute delivery’ model

(Screengrab: X)

• Zepto delivery partner killed in Hyderabad road accident on January 5
• Union blames rapid delivery targets for unsafe work conditions
• Police have detained the bus driver and launched an investigation

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Concerns over hyper-fast delivery models have resurfaced after a 25-year-old delivery partner was killed in a road accident in Hyderabad earlier this month.

The incident occurred on January 5, around 5:15 pm on the busy Tolichowki–Mehdipatnam road near Mehdipatnam. According to police, the victim, identified as Abhishek, was riding a two-wheeler when he lost control of the vehicle and fell onto the road. He was employed as a delivery partner with the quick-commerce platform Zepto.

Moments later, a private travel bus approaching from behind ran over him, leaving him critically injured. He died on the spot, reported News18. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera, footage of which has since circulated widely.

🚨 Tolichowki Accident | Hyderabad A tragic road accident captured on CCTV on Jan 5, 2026, around 5 PM on Tolichowki Main Road. A bike rider died on the spot after a severe collision. Police have reached the scene and begun investigation.#Tolichowki#Hyderabadpic.twitter.com/XVY2y1R52m

— ~ सुनिल 🇮🇳 (@Onlyam_sUnIl08) January 6, 2026

Police said the victim fell off his bike and was lying on the road when the bus passed over him, as bystanders looked on. Following the accident, the body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Mehdipatnam police have taken the bus driver into custody and registered a case in connection with the incident. An investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and fix responsibility.

Union flags safety risks in rapid delivery targets

In a statement, TGPWU founder president Shaik Salauddin questioned platform companies and policymakers over delays in compensation and insurance for injured workers.

“10-minute food and grocery deliveries start on time. Rs 100-crore speed projects start on time. But when a worker crashes on the road, insurance and compensation never start on time. Why?” he said.

The union blamed “10-minute delivery” targets for creating high-pressure environments that compromise worker safety. “Boardroom promises ≠ ground reality. Workers are not algorithms,” the statement said, calling for the removal of what it described as “deadly” delivery targets.

The TGPWU has also sought immediate intervention from Telangana Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy, urging the government to address safety standards and accountability in the gig economy.