What began as a routine grocery order quickly turned into a viral consumer nightmare for a Blinkit customer in Assam, renewing broader concerns about the reliability of quick-commerce platforms in India.
Chow Sureng Rajkonwar, a content creator based in Assam, took to Instagram to document what he described as a “disturbing experience” with the instant delivery service Blinkit. In a video that has since gone viral, Rajkonwar is seen opening a tray of eggs purchased through the app — only to discover they were rotten, emitting a foul odor and oozing black liquid.
“I was shocked,” he said in the video. “There was a strong smell even before I opened the eggs. But I wasn’t expecting them to be in this condition.”
A Growing Wave of Complaints
Rajkonwar’s video struck a chord with consumers across India, many of whom flooded social media with their own experiences of receiving spoiled or damaged products from delivery apps. From moldy dates to stale vegetables, the complaints reflect a pattern of lapses in cold chain management and quality checks — issues that plague the booming quick-commerce sector.
Several users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) echoed similar grievances, questioning the oversight mechanisms in place. Some even called for regulatory intervention, pointing out the health risks of receiving perishable goods in compromised condition.
The incident has also renewed interest in traditional grocery shopping methods. “It’s time we go back to the old ways,” one user wrote. “At least we could inspect what we were buying.”
Blinkit Responds, But Questions Remain
Blinkit, which is owned by Zomato and operates under the promise of 10-minute deliveries, was quick to respond. The company commented on Rajkonwar’s post stating, “We’re really sorry about this. Ensuring product quality is a top priority for us, and we take concerns like this very seriously.” Blinkit also asked the customer to share his order ID for a detailed internal investigation.
However, critics argue that the apology is insufficient and symptomatic of a larger problem plaguing the hyper-fast delivery model: the pressure to fulfill orders rapidly often comes at the expense of careful handling and inspection of goods.
Consumer rights advocates have called on platforms to implement stricter quality control protocols and greater transparency. “Companies in the instant delivery space must invest in better logistics, including cold storage and last-mile monitoring,” said Arpita Mehra, a Delhi-based consumer rights lawyer.
The Rise — and Risk — of Instant Groceries
India’s quick-commerce sector has witnessed meteoric growth in the past three years, fueled by pandemic-era demands and urban consumer preferences for convenience. Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart now deliver essentials within minutes, transforming how Indian households shop for groceries.
But as the convenience grows, so do the cracks in the system.
“Consumers are trusting these platforms with essential items — food, medicine, baby care — not just impulse buys,” said Kaustav Ghosh, a retail analyst at TechSpree Advisors. “If trust is broken over something as basic as eggs, it can have serious brand implications.”
For now, Blinkit’s reputation is under the scanner. And for Rajkonwar — and many others — the incident serves as a pungent reminder that speed without safety is no service at all.
