Pune Police write to Google and Apple seeking Rapido app's removal over bike taxis

Pune Police have approached Google and Apple, asking them to take the Rapido app off the Play Store and the App Store. The police allege that the company runs a bike taxi service in the city without permission. The administration has tightened its action against the service, but rides are still available across Pune.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed the step and said letters seeking the app's removal have already gone to both technology companies.

The move follows a letter written last week by Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi, who is also chairperson of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), asking the police to act against the service and get it shut down. An FIR was registered against Rapido around the same time.

Officials of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) say the app could soon stop working in Pune if the company does not secure the required permissions. Its application to operate bike taxis is still pending with the transport department. An RTO official, who did not wish to be named, said the company had been warned of legal action. The official added, "Rapido has been warned of legal action for not following the rules. If the company meets all the conditions of the bike taxi policy, its application can be considered. But operating without permission could create difficulties in the approval process."

Even after the FIR, the bike taxi option remains visible on the Rapido app, and rides continue to run across the city.

The action has drawn objections from some daily commuters. They argue that the administration should concentrate on bringing the service under regulation instead of closing it down. In their view, public transport in Pune has gaps, and some autorickshaw and cab drivers have been known to overcharge passengers or behave rudely with them.

Autorickshaw unions, on the other hand, have welcomed the crackdown. They also faulted the authorities for sending letters without making sure the service is actually stopped. The unions further raised concerns about how riders are verified and about the safety of passengers.