Ludhiana Court Hands Down 10-Year Sentence for Vicious Attack on Food Delivery Executive
A local court in Ludhiana has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing two individuals to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in a horrifying 2023 ambush on a Zomato delivery rider. The assailants employed a calculated method, using high-intensity LED lights to blind the victim before launching a violent assault with swords and other weapons.
The Disturbing Details of the Nighttime Ambush
The traumatic incident unfolded in the early hours of August 21, 2023. The victim, Ekjot Singh, was performing his duty, transporting a food order toward the Haibowal area on his motorcycle. His journey was brutally interrupted near the Model Town Extension cremation ground.
The attackers executed a tactical manoeuvre. Two men on an oncoming motorcycle directed "piercingly bright" LED headlights directly at Ekjot Singh, completely blinding him and forcing him to stop his vehicle. As he came to a halt, three to four additional accomplices emerged from the shadows, armed with a sword and iron rods. They launched a ferocious attack, leaving Ekjot Singh with severe head injuries that required five stitches.
In addition to the physical violence, the group robbed him of Rs 3,000 in cash and his mobile phone, compounding the trauma of the event.
Investigation Breakthrough and Police Action
The case saw a significant breakthrough in October 2023, somewhat by chance. Police officers patrolling the Dr Ambedkar Nagar area stumbled upon a group of men engaged in a dispute over the distribution of stolen items. While several suspects managed to flee the scene, the police successfully apprehended one individual, Akash.
During the apprehension, officers recovered a sword and a cleaver from his possession. Subsequent interrogation led Akash to confess his involvement in the August ambush. His confession was pivotal, leading to the identification and nomination of Ajay Kumar and several other accused, including a juvenile, in the case.
Investigations revealed that the stolen mobile phone had been sold to a migrant worker for a mere Rs 2,000, highlighting the callous nature of the crime.
Victim's Harrowing Account and Life-Altering Impact
The victim, Ekjot Singh, has since left the food delivery industry entirely, now working in the construction sector. Reflecting on the court's verdict, he recounted the narrow escape from a far worse fate. "The doctors told me that if the blade had gone even slightly deeper into my skull, it would have been life-threatening," Ekjot Singh stated, underscoring the gravity of his injuries.
He also alleged significant hurdles in his pursuit of justice, claiming that a police official was initially reluctant to register the First Information Report (FIR). It was only through persistent efforts, aided by friends, that the formal complaint was eventually filed, setting the legal process in motion.
Court's Firm Ruling and Legal Framework
Additional Sessions Judge Gurpreet Kaur presided over the case and delivered the sentences to Akash and Ajay Kumar, both residents of Dr Ambedkar Nagar. The court dismissed the defendants' claims of false implication, placing weight on the recovery of the weapons and the detailed, credible testimony presented by the prosecution.
In her ruling, Judge Kaur noted that the severity of the assault with deadly weapons warranted a strong deterrent punishment. Beyond the prison terms, the court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each convict.
The two were convicted under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 379-B (2): Pertaining to snatching with hurt or wrongful restraint.
- Section 34: Concerning acts done with common intention.
This verdict sends a clear message about the consequences of violent street crimes, particularly those targeting individuals performing essential services like food delivery.
