Deepinder Goyal Shares Videos of Assault on Delivery Partners Amid Nationwide Strike

New Delhi, January 3, 2026 – In a significant escalation of the ongoing friction between gig economy platforms and worker unions, Zomato and Blinkit CEO Deepinder Goyal has released video evidence alleging that delivery partners were subjected to violence and intimidation during recent nationwide strikes.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goyal shared footage showing unidentified individuals forcibly stopping delivery executives, snatching parcels, and even resort to physical assault. In one of the viral clips, a distressed voice is heard saying, “Mera phone bhi tod dia” (They even broke my phone), highlighting the personal toll on those who attempted to continue working despite the strike call.

“0.1% Miscreants” vs. Political Agents

The Zomato founder’s latest post comes as a sharp rebuttal to critics who accused him of being “tone-deaf” after he previously labeled protestors as “miscreants.” Goyal clarified that the vast majority of his 4.5 lakh delivery partners were not part of the strike and, in fact, wanted to work to capitalize on the New Year’s Eve demand.

“I am all for peaceful protests against anything and everything. But violent protests and stopping others who want to work from working is not okay,” Goyal stated in his post.

He further alleged that a significant portion of those seen causing disruptions in the videos were not active delivery partners. Instead, he identified them as:

• Terminated Workers: Individuals previously removed from the platform for fraud or abuse.
• Political Interests: External agents “piggybacking” on the gig worker narrative for political mileage.

Record-Breaking Deliveries Amidst Chaos

Despite the strike calls organized by the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and other unions on December 25 and 31, Zomato and Blinkit reported all-time high order volumes.

Goyal emphasized that these numbers were achieved through the “human sweat and labor” of partners who chose to work, supported by local law enforcement to ensure their safety.

The Union’s Counter-Stance

Gig worker unions have dismissed Goyal’s claims of “miscreants” as a tactic to delegitimize a genuine movement. Union leaders argue that the protests are a desperate response to:

1. Declining Payouts: Riders claim they are earning less per order despite rising fuel and maintenance costs.
2. The 10-Minute Model: Unions have called for a ban on ultra-fast 10-minute deliveries, citing immense pressure and safety risks.
3. Lack of Social Security: Protesters are demanding recognition as employees rather than “partners” to access insurance and retirement benefits.

While Goyal maintains that the 10-minute delivery is a result of “store density” and not “rider speed,” the debate has sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of the gig economy in India.

What’s Next?

As the war of words continues, all eyes are on whether the government will intervene to mediate between the tech giants and the growing labor unions.