Man Spots Delivery Partner Eating Customer’s Food: What He Discovers Next Leaves Him Deeply Moved
In a surprising turn of events, social activist Kiran Verma, founder of Simply Blood, recently took to LinkedIn to praise Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal after an encounter with one of the company’s delivery partners. The incident began when Verma spotted a Zomato delivery agent eating what appeared to be a customer’s order. At first glance, it seemed like an unethical act, but what Verma discovered next left him deeply moved—and sparked a heated debate online.
Verma initially assumed the delivery partner was consuming food meant for a customer without their knowledge. He even snapped a photo of the man, ready to call out the behavior. However, after a conversation with the delivery partner, Verma’s perspective shifted entirely. The delivery agent explained that the customer had failed to receive the order, and in such cases, Zomato’s policy allows delivery partners to mark the order as “delivered” and use the food as they see fit.
This revelation left Verma reflecting on the realities faced by gig workers. The delivery partner shared that due to the busy Holi season, he had been prioritizing deliveries over lunch, and the undelivered food was a lifeline for him. Verma also highlighted the financial struggles of delivery partners, many of whom earn less than Rs 20,000-25,000 a month. Despite holding a degree, the man Verma spoke with had been unable to find other work and was supporting his family on his earnings.
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When Verma offered assistance, the delivery partner smiled and replied, “Sir, I can work harder, but can’t beg.” This statement, along with Zomato’s policy, prompted Verma to publicly thank Deepinder Goyal for a practice that, while seemingly controversial, helps reduce food waste and supports delivery partners in need.
The post quickly went viral, with LinkedIn users divided over the ethics of Zomato’s policy. Some praised the company for its pragmatic approach, while others criticized it as potentially exploitative. One user suggested Zomato add an option in their app for “delivery attempted but customer unavailable,” while another argued that the policy “creates an environment that invites malpractice.”
Despite the debate, Verma’s post shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of gig workers and the small yet significant ways companies can make a difference. As Verma concluded, “It’s very unfortunate that so many people are working so hard when some of us are celebrating.”
