Zomato delivery agent eats customer's food. Man who caught him 'red handed' thanked CEO Deepinder Goyal. Here's why

On March 14, social activist and influencer Kiran Verma shared an intriguing anecdote on Facebook regarding an unusual yet ethically debatable event involving a Zomato delivery executive. Observing the festivities of Holi 2025, Verma initially suspected the delivery agent of consuming food meant for a customer. However, what unfolded was a tale of circumstances and survival, leading Verma to express gratitude toward Zomato and its CEO, Deepinder Goyal, for a policy that inadvertently benefited delivery partners.

The Unexpected Encounter

While attempting to park his car in Noida, Verma noticed a biker enjoying a meal while seated on his vehicle. Since the bike occupied the only available parking spot, Verma decided to wait for the rider to finish eating before approaching him.

Curious about the situation, Verma captured a photo of the delivery agent, initially suspecting him of consuming an order that was meant for a customer. He then approached the biker and politely inquired about the time required for him to finish his meal so Verma could park his car accordingly.


In response, the delivery executive reassured Verma, stating, "Just a few minutes, Sir." Verma, noting the individual’s educated demeanor, struck up a conversation. He asked why the delivery partner was having his lunch so late in the day, especially around 5 p.m. on Holi. The agent, whom Verma referred to as Vishal (name altered), explained his predicament.

Why Was The Order Unclaimed?

According to Vishal, he had picked up the food around 2 p.m. and proceeded to the delivery location, but despite multiple attempts, the customer failed to receive it. Consequently, Zomato instructed him to mark the order as "delivered" to prevent additional operational costs for the company.

As outlined in Verma’s post, if a food order remains undelivered, the delivery executive does not receive payment unless it is officially marked as completed. Once marked as delivered, the agent has the freedom to dispose of the food as they see fit.

Ethical Dilemma Or Practical Solution?

Verma acknowledged that while this practice might appear ethically ambiguous, it ultimately serves as a financial respite for delivery agents while also minimizing food waste. He suggested that this policy indirectly supports gig workers, allowing them to retain a portion of their earnings by consuming unclaimed meals.

Vishal further explained that during festivals like Holi, Zomato offers incentives for completing additional deliveries. Given the high order volume in the afternoon, he prioritized work over lunch, opting to eat only once the rush subsided.

A Glimpse into The Life Of A Delivery Partner

The post shed light on the financial struggles of delivery personnel. Vishal, earning between Rs 10 and Rs 25 per order, manages to make only Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. As the primary breadwinner for his family in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, including his farmer father and two younger siblings pursuing education, every saved meal counts as a crucial resource.

Final Reflections

Verma concluded his post without passing a definitive judgment on the ethics of marking unclaimed food as "delivered." However, he extended his appreciation to Zomato’s CEO for a policy that inadvertently assists delivery executives across the country.

Urging people not to be quick to judge, Verma admitted to his initial misjudgment of Vishal and encouraged empathy toward gig workers. He emphasized the importance of cherishing time with family, a privilege that many delivery personnel forgo while striving to serve others.