Pune: Vishrantwadi policeon Friday night registered the first FIR against Roppen Transport Services Private Limited, which operates Rapido, for allegedly running bike taxi services using petrol-powered, non-transport two-wheelers without mandatory permissions.
A ride booked through the Rapido app on Oct 16 from Yerawada to Kothrud was serviced by a petrol-powered motorcycle, according to the complaint. The complaint also cited earlier legal proceedings, including the RTO’s move to halt bike taxi services in Dec 2022 and Bombay high court’s dismissal of Rapido’s challenge in Jan 2023.
Autorickshaw unions said the action was inadequate. “Police should conduct an in-depth inquiry into the role of the city head and other officials overseeing Rapido’s operations in Pune,” Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and Baghtoy Rickshawaala union, said. In the FIR, police invoked provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Motor Vehicles Act and Information Technology Act, relating to cheating, operating transport services without valid licences and permits, and use of personal vehicles for commercial passenger transport. The rider was questioned, the vehicle seized and a challan issued under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Regional transport officer Archana Gaikwad had earlier said Rapido and Uber had applied to operate bike taxis under Maharashtra’s policy, which permitted only electric two-wheelers and required regulatory approvals. During a recent RTA meeting, firm representatives reportedly said the Pune operations were being conducted on a trial basis. Those applications are still pending.