12 Rapido-linked bikes seized in Indore, company told to halt app-based ride bookings

Indore: The transport department has impounded 12 motorbikes linked to ride-hailing platform Rapido for allegedly operating without proper permission in the city. Officials have also directed the company to immediately stop accepting bike taxi bookings through its mobile app.

In a press statement, assistant regional transport officer Archana Mishra said Rapido was running bike taxi services in Indore without the required trade licence.

Transport officials booked rides through the app and asked the riders to come to specific locations. Once they arrived, their bikes were seized, Mishra said.

A notice has been issued to the company asking it to stop bike taxi operations in the city and provide an explanation over the alleged violations. The notice warns that strict legal action will follow if the company fails to respond.

Officials said that between 2021 and 2024, the department had written multiple times to bike taxi service providers, asking them to shut down their apps. However, the department does not have the authority to disable these apps directly and is now seeking police support in the matter.

The release also mentioned that earlier this week, a case was registered against a Rapido-linked bike taxi rider for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in Indore.

(with inputs from agencies)