New Delhi: A 24-year-old delivery partner working for Flipkart Minutes died on October 20 after spending 16 days in hospital following an assault by a customer over a torn Rs 10 note. Before his death, the worker recorded a video recounting the incident, questioning police inaction and warning that he would consume poison if his complaint went unaddressed.

The deceased, identified as Sameer Hussain Saifi, worked as a delivery agent in Delhi's Kalyanpuri area. In his final video, he spoke about being slapped during the dispute, expressed frustration over a lack of immediate support, and described the humiliation of being mistreated while trying to earn a living.

Recounting the sequence of events, Sameer stated that he went to deliver a Flipkart Minutes order at around 11:30 pm on October 4 when an argument broke out over a torn Rs 10 note among the cash handed over by the customer. He asked the customer to replace the damaged note, which he said led to rude behavior, threats of violence, and eventually an assault.

Sameer recalled that the customer slapped him three times in front of onlookers and made references to political connections. He expressed deep hurt over remarks directed at his middle-class background and the indifference of the crowd watching the incident unfold.

Detailing the hardships of his employment, Sameer noted that he delivered parcels using a bicycle and worked long hours to sustain his household. He questioned the safety and institutional backing afforded to gig workers, remarking that delivery partners are often treated as secondary to customer priorities.

In the same recording, Sameer voiced distrust in local authorities, stating that he feared his grievances would be ignored because of his financial standing. He warned that he would consume poison if proper action was not taken within 24 hours.

The victim's uncle, Mohammed Shahid Saifi, stated that Sameer had visited a Flipkart office following the assault and later proceeded to the Kalyanpuri police station alongside other delivery workers to file a formal complaint. He was subsequently taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital for medical attention.

According to his family, Sameer consumed poison on October 5 and remained hospitalized until his death on October 20, which preceded what would have been his 25th birthday. The family has raised concerns regarding the handling of the initial complaint and called for a comprehensive investigation, including a post-mortem examination by a medical board.

Meanwhile, the East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police confirmed that an FIR was registered on October 5 after Sameer filed his complaint. Authorities stated that two individuals named in the case have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.