Zepto denies link to Hyderabad delivery rider’s death, says victim was not on its platform

Zepto said the man killed in a Hyderabad road accident was not associated with the company, as the incident reignited concerns over hyper-fast delivery models.

• Zepto confirmed the accident victim wasn't its delivery partner or on duty.
• The company verified this through database checks, facial recognition, and CCTV reviews.
• Incident raises concerns about quick-commerce delivery times and rider safety.

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Quick-commerce firm Zepto on Monday said the man who died in a road accident in Hyderabad earlier this month was not associated with the company and was not delivering an order for it at the time of the incident.

The clarification comes after CCTV footage of the crash circulated widely on social media, triggering fresh criticism of hyper-fast delivery models and rider safety.

What Zepto said

In a statement posted on X, Zepto said the individual mentioned in the viral footage was neither part of its delivery fleet nor on duty for the company when the accident occurred.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident reported in Hyderabad and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. We would like to clarify that the individual mentioned was not associated with Zepto, and was not delivering for Zepto at the time of the… https://t.co/AhPcLLM2H1

— Zepto (@ZeptoNow) January 11, 2026

“This has been confirmed through thorough database checks, facial recognition, and CCTV reviews across our store network,” the company said, adding that it is cooperating with the Mehdipatnam Police Station and has shared its findings to correct what it called an initial misconception.

Zepto also said all its delivery partners are covered under insurance, including up to Rs 10 lakh accidental cover and Rs 1 lakh health insurance. “No claim has been made in this case, as the individual was not part of our delivery fleet,” it added.

The accident

The accident occurred on January 5, around 5:15 pm, on the busy Tolichowki–Mehdipatnam road in Hyderabad.

Police said the victim, identified as Abhishek, lost control of his two-wheeler, fell onto the road and was run over by a private travel bus approaching from behind. He died on the spot. The body was later shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The bus driver has been taken into custody, and a case has been registered. Police said an investigation is underway to establish the sequence of events and fix responsibility.

Safety concerns resurface

The incident reignited scrutiny of quick-commerce delivery timelines and rider safety. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union raised concerns over pressure to meet delivery targets and the lack of timely support for gig workers.

Concerns around fast-delivery models have intensified following multiple accidents involving delivery riders in Hyderabad in recent weeks.