Kerala MVD warns quick-commerce firms over rash driving by riders
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued notices to major quick-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto and Bigbasket, to overhaul their delivery policies, following a surge in traffic violations and reckless driving by their riders.
The notices have been served to the companies’ dark stores and platform operators, directing them to streamline and align their internal policies with road safety regulations within the next 15 days, a statement said here on Wednesday.
The department warned that failure to comply would invite further legal action.
The MVD pointed out that the growing practice of promising ultra-fast deliveries—within seven or 20 minutes—is contributing to unsafe driving behaviour on roads.
Speeding, rash riding and failure to wear safety gear such as helmets were identified as some of the most common violations among delivery riders, it said.
Other road users are often forced to avoid these riders due to the fear of accidents.
The department noted that riders are frequently under pressure to complete orders quickly in order to maximise their income and move on to the next assignment.
In many cases, unrealistic deadlines set by online platforms and aggressive marketing strategies that promise customers rapid delivery timelines are leading to compromised road safety.
Emphasising that public safety cannot be sacrificed for commercial competition, the MVD said online delivery platforms must ensure responsible business practices and strict adherence to traffic laws to prevent accidents and protect lives.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Silver heist: Three detained in Chikkaballapur
Chikkaballapur (PTI): A gang of unidentified men struck a jewellery store here and decamped with around 140 kg of silver ornaments valued at nearly Rs three crore, police said on Wednesday.
According to the police, the burglars broke open the shop’s shutter and door locks on Monday night and carried out the theft without leaving behind any immediate clues.
The burglary came to light on Tuesday morning when shop staff arrived to open the showroom and found the locks broken, following which the police were informed.
ALSO READ: Permission denied for cricket match at Chinnaswamy Stadium over safety compliance: K'taka HM
Officials visited the spot and conducted an inspection.
“Special teams were formed to trace the accused, and efforts were intensified after it was found that the thieves had also stolen the CCTV DVR from the premises,” a police officer said.
The burglars entered the shop at 12.10 am and spent over three hours. Initially, they attempted to break open the lock using an iron rod, but later cut it using a cutter to gain entry.
The accused reportedly filled three bags with silver ornaments and fled the scene at around 3.10 am. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage.
The police have detained three suspects in connection with the case.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether they were involved in similar crimes elsewhere, police added.
