Bengaluru: Grammy Award–winning musician and environmental activist Ricky Kej has alleged that a delivery rider trespassed into his private residence in Bengaluru and stole a water sump cover, triggering a wider debate on urban safety, gig-economy accountability, and police response in Indian cities.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Kej said the incident occurred around 6 pm on Thursday at his Indiranagar residence, and that the alleged intruder returned twice—first to survey the premises and later to commit the theft.
“I was robbed,” Kej wrote, tagging Zomato, Zomato Care, and multiple Bengaluru police handles.
“Looks like one of your drivers entered my home and stole our sump-cover. Quite bold of them! This is probably not their first time.”
CCTV Evidence, Face Screenshots and Number Plate Shared
According to Kej, CCTV cameras captured the incident from two angles, including clear images of the suspect’s face and a red Honda Activa scooter.
He also shared what appears to be a partial registration number — KA03HY8751 — and urged both Zomato and the Bengaluru Police to assist in identifying the individual.
“People, be vigilant. This can happen to you too,” Kej warned, calling the incident a reminder of growing security risks even in upscale residential neighbourhoods.
Zomato Responds: ‘We Don’t Encourage Such Behaviour’
Zomato’s customer care handle @zomatocare responded publicly within hours, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegation.
“This is really concerning, and we certainly don’t encourage such behaviour from our delivery partners,” Zomato said.
“We’ll investigate this immediately so that necessary action can be taken.”
The company requested Kej to share his contact details via direct message to enable further coordination. Kej replied that he would share his number once concrete information is available, asking the company to revert with findings first.
Police Angle: No FIR Yet, Probe Limited Without Complaint
While the post drew widespread attention online, Indiranagar Police confirmed that no formal written complaint has been filed so far, which legally restricts the scope of investigation.
Police sources said officers have requested a written complaint from Kej or an authorised representative, clarifying that an FIR is mandatory to formally summon delivery platforms, access backend rider data, or make arrests.
Despite this, police have begun preliminary verification, including scanning nearby CCTV footage and checking vehicle records, officials said.
A Bigger Urban Question
The episode has reignited concerns about last-mile delivery security, background verification of gig workers, and how quickly platforms and law enforcement can respond when crimes are flagged online instead of through FIRs.
For many Bengaluru residents, the case underscores a troubling reality:
If a globally known artist with CCTV footage and public reach struggles to get swift redressal, what happens to ordinary citizens?
What Happens Next
- Zomato says its internal investigation is underway
- Police say formal action depends on a written complaint
- CCTV visuals are already circulating widely online
- Residents’ associations in Indiranagar are seeking enhanced patrols
As of now, the alleged theft remains under preliminary scrutiny, with both the platform and police awaiting the next formal step.
Also Read: 19-Year-Old Scrap Dealer Arrested for Theft at Grammy Winner Ricky Kej’s Bengaluru Home
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಗ್ರ್ಯಾಮಿ ವಿಜೇತ ರಿಕ್ಕಿ ಕೇಜ್ ಮನೆಯೊಳಗೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ ಕಳ್ಳತನ? ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಡೆಲಿವರಿ ಬಾಯ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಗಂಭೀರ ಆರೋಪ – CCTV ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯ, ಜೋಮಾಟೋ ತನಿಖೆ ಆರಂಭ
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಗ್ರ್ಯಾಮಿ ವಿಜೇತ ರಿಕ್ಕಿ ಕೇಜ್ ಮನೆ ಕಳ್ಳತನ ಪ್ರಕರಣ: 19 ವರ್ಷದ ಯುವಕ ಬಂಧನ
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