NHRC complaint filed after alleged assault on Hyderabad delivery worker
HYDERABAD: A delivery partner was allegedly assaulted by police in Secunderabad early Thursday morning. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of app-based delivery workers and prompted the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) to approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Shabbir Azam, a Falaknuma resident and delivery worker since 2018, was assigned an ice cream delivery from Scope Ice Cream in Secunderabad at 2:50 AM on May 7, 2026. While waiting to collect the order, two constables from Ramgopalpet Police Station reportedly arrived and began verbally abusing the delivery workers.
Subsequently, according to a complaint filed with the NHRC by TGPWU founder president Shaik Salauddin, the situation escalated when the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ramgopalpet Police Station arrived and allegedly began physically assaulting Azam.
“He was slapped, abused, and beaten with a lathi without any provocation,” the complaint states. When shop manager Rahil Hussain stepped outside to explain the establishment had permission to operate, he was also allegedly beaten and abused by the SHO.
Azam reportedly tried to show his order details in the Swiggy app to prove he was on duty, but the assault continued.
In his representation to the NHRC, Salauddin emphasized that this incident is not isolated. “There have been repeated complaints from gig and app-based delivery workers across Hyderabad about harassment, illegal detention, verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical violence by police during night shifts,” the complaint notes.
The union noted that delivery workers are not responsible for whether restaurants or shops operate at night. Aggregator companies assign orders only when establishments are open. Furthermore, “Delivery workers merely transport food and essential goods to customers. They are among the most economically vulnerable urban workers,” the complaint adds.
The TGPWU alleged that the police actions violated the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, abused police power, humiliated workers engaged in lawful employment, intimidated vulnerable gig workers, and violated basic human rights and labor dignity.
Strongly condemn the brutal assault on @Swiggy delivery worker Shabbir Azam by Ramgopalpet Police during night duty in Hyderabad on 7 May 2026. Gig workers are earning livelihoods, not committing crimes. Violence, abuse and intimidation against app-based workers must stop. pic.twitter.com/LuJtV9sfou
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) May 7, 2026
In this context, the union urged the NHRC to take suo motu cognizance of the incident and order an independent inquiry into the conduct of the SHO and police at Ramgopalpet Police Station. They also requested disciplinary and legal action against responsible officers, protection and compensation for Shabbir Azam, and clear guidelines to prevent harassment and violence against delivery workers during night duty.
The incident has renewed focus on the precarious working conditions of India’s growing gig workforce. Moreover, the union stated that night-time workers are particularly vulnerable to police violence, arbitrary checks, extortion, and abuse.
“Such incidents create fear and insecurity among thousands of workers who depend on these jobs for survival,” the complaint noted, especially during extreme summer conditions when nighttime deliveries increase.
