Why Rapido Founders Were Booked by Nagpur Police
Nagpur police have booked the founders of the bike-taxi app Rapido for allegedly operating petrol-powered services without state government authorisation. The case, registered at Sitabuldi police station, follows an RTO enforcement drive targeting illegal commercial use of private vehicles. An investigation into these violations is currently underway.
The founders of the bike-taxi aggregator Rapido have been booked by police in Nagpur for allegedly operating petrol-powered bike taxi services in Maharashtra without necessary government authorisation. The case marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regulatory conflict between ride-hailing platforms and state transport authorities.
Case Registered Against Company Founders
The Sitabuldi police station registered the case against Rishikesh S R, Pavan Guntupalli, and Aravind Sanka, the founders of Roopen Transportation Services Private Limited, which operates the Rapido platform. The complaint was filed by Vishal Madhukarrao Bhovte, a Motor Vehicle Inspector with the Nagpur (City) Regional Transport Office (RTO), acting on behalf of the state government. Will Uber, Ola and Rapido Stop Operating in Maharashtra? Here’s What Government Said.
According to officials, the legal action follows a special enforcement drive conducted by the RTO on June 23 aimed at curbing unauthorised passenger transport. During this drive, a bike ride was booked through the Rapido application from Ravi Bhavan to Priyadarshini Colony at a fare of INR 22.
Unauthorised Use of Private Vehicles
The investigation revealed that a private two-wheeler (MH-31/GC-0850) was utilised to fulfil the ride request. Upon arrival at the pickup point, the vehicle was impounded and transported to the RTO office for further inspection. "It was found that a private two-wheeler was allegedly being used as a bike taxi without the required licence or permit. The vehicle was seized and action was taken under the Motor Vehicles Act," an official stated. The complaint alleges that Rapido has failed to secure approval from either the Maharashtra government or the Regional Transport Authority to provide petrol-powered bike taxi services. Authorities further contended that the company incentivises the use of private vehicles for commercial transportation, which they state violates transport regulations, compromises passenger safety, and results in financial loss to the state. Ola, Uber, Rapido Under Fire As Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik Seeks FIRs Over Alleged Illegal Bike Taxi Operations.
Legal Implications
Following the complaint, the Sitabuldi police have initiated a formal investigation. The founders face charges under the following provisions:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Sections 318 (3) and 3 (5).
- Motor Vehicles Act: Sections 66, 93, 192 A, 193, and 199.
- Information Technology Act: Section 66 (d).
Local authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the company's operations is currently ongoing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
