Zomato Delivery Agent Forced to Remove Santa Claus Costume in Indore: Incident Sparks Controversy: A shocking incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has gone viral after a Zomato delivery agent was forced to remove his Santa Claus costume while on duty. The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media platforms, highlights an alarming episode of harassment faced by the delivery rider.
On Christmas Day, Zomato delivery riders across India were dressed up as Santa Claus to spread joy and surprise their customers with festive gifts. However, in a disturbing turn of events, one delivery agent in Indore was confronted and made to remove his Santa attire by members of the Hindu Jagran Manch, as suggested by unverified reports. Pune Man Claims He Found Chicken In Veg Biryani, Zomato’s Reply Goes Viral
The Incident
The video, which has been viewed millions of times, shows a Zomato rider named Arjun being questioned by an individual off-camera. The person asks him why he is dressed as Santa Claus and criticizes the rider for not wearing a costume that represents Hindu festivals.
“Why don’t you wear Lord Ram’s costume or saffron clothes while making deliveries during Hindu festivals?” the individual asks. The Zomato rider, clearly caught off guard, responds that the company had given Santa Claus costumes to selected riders for the festive occasion. However, the harasser continues to press him, insisting that Arjun remove his costume. Despite the rider’s protests, claiming his company ID could be blocked, the man orders him to take off the red jacket, cap, and trousers.
In the video, the person off-camera expresses frustration about what he perceives as selective celebration of Christian and Islamic festivals, while accusing the delivery agent of neglecting Hindu traditions.
“Ye iss tareeke ke log hain jo ki Hindu tyohaaro pe inki buddhi lagbagh maari jaati hai aur Christian aur Islamic tyohaar pe inko bahut achche sandesh dene rehta hain,” the person says, implying that the rider is more eager to celebrate Christmas than Hindu festivals.
After the rider reluctantly removes his costume, the individual thanks him and ends the encounter with a “Jai Shree Ram.”
A #Zomato delivery man was stopped by workers of the #HinduJagranManch and asked to remove a #SantaClaus attire he was wearing for #Christmas celebrations. The incident occurred in #MadhyaPradesh’s #Indore city.
A video of the Zomato delivery man named Arjun being questioned by… pic.twitter.com/GGQNkkgDZF
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) December 25, 2024
The Reaction
The incident has sparked an intense debate online, with many criticizing the harassment faced by the Zomato rider for simply celebrating Christmas in a festive spirit. The video has drawn attention to growing concerns over the increasing intolerance and harassment of individuals who celebrate non-Hindu festivals in India.
The public outcry has also extended to Zomato, with many questioning the company’s silence on the matter. Critics have expressed disappointment over Zomato’s failure to stand up for its delivery agents, who are often subjected to unfair treatment and harassment while on the job.
Zomato’s Response
As of now, Zomato has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the video continues to garner widespread attention, leading many to call for greater protection and support for gig workers in the country.
This incident comes at a time when the culture of forced conformity and selective celebration of festivals has been a topic of controversy across various parts of India. The growing divide between people of different faiths has become a point of tension in recent years, with individuals expressing their displeasure over public displays of festivals from religions outside their own.
Conclusion
The forced removal of a Zomato rider’s Santa Claus costume in Indore is more than just an isolated incident. It is a reflection of the larger issues facing gig workers, religious intolerance, and the ongoing battle over freedom of expression and celebration. The incident has shed light on the challenges faced by delivery agents, who not only work under precarious conditions but also find themselves caught in the middle of a larger societal conflict.
As the video continues to circulate, it is clear that the public’s attention is now on how companies like Zomato address these issues and provide a safe and supportive environment for their workers. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater tolerance and respect for people’s choices, particularly during the festive season.