Two Arrested After Viral Video of Zepto Rider’s Assault

New Delhi, January 10, 2026: A routine shift for a quick-commerce delivery executive turned into a harrowing ordeal that has sparked nationwide outrage. On January 4, 2026, around 8:00 PM, a Zepto delivery rider identified as Deepak Kumar was brutally assaulted in the Kaggadasapura area of east Bengaluru. The incident was triggered by a minor traffic event when Kumar was making a turn near the 29th Cross junction. Two men on a scooter traveling from the opposite direction were forced to brake suddenly, causing them to lose balance and fall—an event that immediately ignited an unprovoked and violent confrontation.

Brutal Assault Captured on Camera

The shocking details of the attack were brought to light after a video of the incident surfaced on social media on January 9, 2026. In the viral footage, the two assailants are seen pouncing on Kumar, punching him repeatedly in the face and striking him with their helmets. The delivery rider was knocked to the ground, where the duo continued to kick him despite his helpless state. Although bystanders eventually intervened—with one elderly man reportedly slapping an attacker to stop the violence—the duo managed to flee the scene before they could be apprehended by the public.

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Swift Police Action and Arrests

Following the massive digital outcry, the Baiyappanahalli Police took suo motu cognizance of the case, as no formal complaint had initially been filed by the victim. A dedicated team was formed to track the suspects using technical evidence and CCTV footage from the junction. On the night of January 9, two siblings identified as Jagat Pradeep (28) and Dharma (20) were arrested near the Hoodi Metro Station area. The accused, who reportedly work as security and housekeeping staff in the city, have been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including voluntarily causing hurt and criminal act with common intention.

The Rising Vulnerability of Gig Workers

This incident has once again highlighted the extreme risks faced by gig economy workers on India’s congested urban roads. It has been argued by labor activists that delivery executives often operate under high pressure and are frequently the targets of road rage or customer harassment. The Bengaluru police have emphasized that “alcohol or road stress is no excuse for crime,” urging citizens to report such incidents immediately. The quick arrest of the perpetrators has been seen as a necessary message that violence against frontline workers will not be tolerated in the city.

Demanding Justice for Frontline Heroes

As of January 10, 2026, the video continues to trend as a “gentle reminder” of the need for empathy and patience on the road. While Deepak Kumar is reportedly recovering from his physical injuries, the mental trauma of being assaulted while simply trying to earn a living remains a significant concern. The community has called for companies like Zepto to provide better legal and medical support for their riders in such situations. For now, the sight of an elderly citizen standing up against the bullies remains a small beacon of hope in an otherwise distressing chapter of urban life.