Food Delivery Dispute in Odisha Turns Violent, Woman Injured

A shocking and disturbing incident took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Thursday morning, sparking widespread outrage. What began as a minor argument over delayed food delivery between a customer and a delivery agent ended in a brutal assault.

The victim, Binodini Rath, a nurse working at a private hospital, had ordered food online to her home. When the delivery arrived much later than the scheduled time, she calmly asked the delivery agent about the delay. According to reports, the accused, identified as Tapan Das also known locally as Mitu grew increasingly agitated. The verbal exchange soon escalated into a heated confrontation.

Eyewitnesses said that in a sudden fit of rage, Tapan Das pulled out a sharp weapon and attacked Binodini, injuring her neck, head, arms, and legs. She collapsed on the spot, bleeding heavily. Neighbours rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that while her injuries were serious, she was out of immediate danger.

Police revealed that the attacker was in an intoxicated state during the incident. Locals detained him on the spot and handed him over to the police, who also recovered the weapon used in the assault. Investigators suspect that apart from the delivery delay, a long standing dispute over vehicle parking may have also triggered the violence.

The incident has stirred anger in the area. Residents are demanding stricter verification and training for delivery personnel to prevent such violent episodes in the future. Experts note that in the rapidly expanding gig economy, ensuring the mental stability and professional conduct of workers is essential to safeguarding customer safety. Without such measures, incidents like this could become more frequent and potentially more dangerous.