Zomato delivery boy assaulted in Lucknow over his Muslim identity
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An incident in which a Zomato food delivery boy was physically assaulted after allegedly being identified by his Muslim identity by four intoxicated miscreants as they received food from the victim has been reported in UP’s Lucknow.
Mohammad Aslam, employed by Zomato, was allegedly assaulted by four men on the night of August 20-21, during a delivery in the Vineet Khand locality of Gomti Nagar, The Wire reported.
Aslam, who was initially asked to leave the parcel at the gate, took it to the first floor of the building after being requested to do so, despite having another order to deliver. Upon reaching the designated floor, Aslam was met with hostility from the men, who were reportedly intoxicated, The Wire report said.
The situation escalated when one of the men allegedly grabbed Aslam by the collar and dragged him into the house. The men then subjected Aslam to physical assault, questioning him about his identity. Aslam claims that his Muslim identity led to further abuse.
The men reportedly struck him with a helmet, poured liquor over him, and threatened him with boiling water. They also held him captive for approximately 90 minutes, during which they seized his phone, preventing him from managing other deliveries.
The assailants coerced Aslam into signing a document falsely accusing him of overcharging for the food and misbehaving. They also threatened him with violence, including a potential shooting. Despite the severe nature of the assault and communal abuse, Aslam chose to downplay the religious aspect of the incident, emphasizing his desire to avoid further communal discord.
The police have registered a criminal case against the attackers under various charges, including causing hurt, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, and intentional insult intended to breach the peace. The primary suspect has been apprehended, and efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining three individuals involved.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pankaj Kumar Singh, indicated that the assault occurred following a dispute during the delivery. The case is being pursued with further legal action anticipated as the investigation continues.