The founders of ride-hailing platform Rapido have been booked in Nagpur following allegations that the company operated petrol-powered bike taxi services without mandatory government approval, officials said on Friday. The case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), raising concerns over alleged violations of transport regulations and passenger safety norms.
According to police, a case was registered at Sitabuldi police station against Rapido founders Rishikesh S.R., Pavan Guntupalli and Aravind Sanka, who are associated with Roopen Transportation Services Private Limited, which operates the app-based platform. The complaint was lodged by Motor Vehicle Inspector Vishal Madhukarrao Bhovte on behalf of the state transport department.
Officials said the matter came to light during a special enforcement drive conducted by the RTO on June 23 targeting illegal passenger transport services. During the drive, a ride was allegedly booked through the Rapido app from Ravi Bhavan to Priyadarshini Colony for ₹22. The vehicle involved, a private two-wheeler, was subsequently intercepted and brought to the RTO office for inspection.
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During the inspection, authorities found that the motorcycle bearing registration number MH-31/GC-0850 was allegedly being used as a bike taxi without the required commercial permit or licence. The vehicle was seized, and action was initiated under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for alleged regulatory violations.
The complaint further stated that Rapido had not obtained approval from the Maharashtra government or the Regional Transport Authority to operate petrol-powered bike taxi services in the state. Officials alleged that the use of private vehicles for commercial passenger transport violated existing transport rules and posed potential safety risks to passengers, while also leading to revenue losses for the government.
A Sitabuldi police official confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Motor Vehicles Act, and the Information Technology Act. Police added that further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the alleged violations and establish accountability in the case.
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