MELBOURNE, Australia (Diya TV) — Two Indian-origin delivery drivers are being praised for their quick response and resistance after fighting off an alleged armed carjacking attempt in Melbourne, Australia’s eastern suburbs, in an incident that has drawn national attention and raised fresh concerns about the safety of gig and transport workers.
The confrontation took place on March 22, 2026, at a service station in Scoresby. According to multiple reports and police accounts, the drivers were on a break when two men approached them and attempted to take control of their delivery vehicle. Witness accounts and widely circulated video footage suggest the situation escalated rapidly, with one of the drivers allegedly subjected to racial abuse before the suspects demanded the keys.
When he refused, the encounter turned physical. The suspects reportedly pushed him and began throwing punches and kicks. Instead of complying, the driver fought back despite being outnumbered. Moments later, a co-worker joined the altercation, and the two drivers were seen engaging in a chaotic struggle with the suspects in the middle of the service station forecourt. In one of the most widely shared moments from the video, one of the drivers used a spirit level tool defensively, swinging it toward an attacker as the confrontation intensified.
The resistance appeared to overwhelm the suspects, who eventually fled the scene in a red Subaru. Victoria Police have confirmed that no serious injuries were reported and that the suspects left immediately after the incident. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage and videos recorded by witnesses and have appealed to the public for information that could help identify those involved. As of the latest updates, no arrests have been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident quickly went viral after footage of the altercation was shared across social media platforms, drawing widespread praise for the drivers’ actions. Many users described the response as courageous, particularly given the aggressive nature of the confrontation. At the same time, officials have cautioned that not all details circulating online have been independently verified, including claims about whether the suspects were armed.
Beyond the viral moment, the case highlights a broader pattern emerging across Victoria. Recent reporting indicates a sharp rise in carjackings and attempted vehicle thefts, with hundreds of incidents recorded over the past year and a noticeable increase in cases involving threats or weapons. Delivery drivers and rideshare workers are often among the most vulnerable, as their jobs require frequent stops in public areas and long hours working alone, making them easier targets for opportunistic crimes.
What sets this case apart is that the attempted carjacking was ultimately unsuccessful. In many similar incidents, victims are forced to comply under threat. In this instance, the drivers’ decision to resist appears to have prevented the theft and forced the suspects to retreat.
The investigation remains active as police continue efforts to identify and locate the suspects.
