Indore RTO cracks down on Rapido bike taxi operations:Officials booked rides to trap illegal bike taxis; seized 12 bikes after minor rape case sparks safety concerns

In a strong crackdown following a rape case involving a bike taxi rider, the Transport Department on Thursday seized 12 Rapido bike taxis allegedly operating without a valid trade licence in Indore. Officials indicated that enforcement will intensify and illegal app-based operations may soon face complete shutdown in the city. RTO lays trap through mobile app In a planned enforcement drive, transport officials booked rides through the Rapido mobile application and called bike riders to specific locations. As soon as the drivers reached the designated spots, enforcement teams seized their vehicles for running commercial services without legal permission. Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Archana Mishra said the department had adopted strategic methods to identify violators. Our team booked rides through the mobile application and called the drivers to specific locations. When they reached the spot, it was found that the vehicles were operating commercially without a valid trade licence, following which they were seized, Mishra said. She added that similar drives will continue to ensure compliance with transport rules. Rapido operating without licence, RTO claims Transport officials stated that Rapido Transport Services Private Limited has neither been issued nor granted renewal of any trade licence to operate bike taxi services in Indore. Despite this, services continued through the mobile platform. Mishra said the department has formally informed senior police officials about the alleged violation. The RTO has clearly communicated to the police that no trade licence has been issued to the company in Indore. Operating commercial bike taxi services without permission is illegal, and necessary action is being taken, she said. The department has written to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), seeking assistance to stop the company’s operations. Notice issued, app shutdown ordered Officials said Rapido has been issued a notice directing the company to immediately suspend services and submit an explanation. Authorities warned that failure to comply could lead to unilateral legal action. Highlighting past efforts, Mishra said enforcement against app-based bike taxis has remained a challenge. Between 2021 and 2024, several letters were sent seeking closure of such mobile applications. However, due to lack of direct control over the app platforms, enforcement remained difficult. With police cooperation now, we are taking stricter action, she said. Minor rape case triggers administrative action The crackdown follows a serious incident reported earlier this week in which a 17-year-old girl accused a Rapido bike rider of rape. Based on her complaint, Raoji Bazar police registered a case under rape charges and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to police, the minor had booked a Rapido ride to purchase clothes. During the journey, the accused allegedly lured her to Pardeshipura on the pretext of cheaper clothing options and took her to his rented room, where the assault allegedly took place. Police said the accused later abandoned the girl near a temple in the Raoji Bazar area around 9 pm and fled. Victim used AI tool to seek help Police officials said the minor remained seated near the temple for a considerable time before seeking help. Instead of contacting family members, she used an AI-based chat platform to find helpline numbers for the women’s police station and Childline and informed authorities. Police later reached the spot, brought her to the police station and informed her family members. Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that a case has been registered and investigation is underway. Safety concerns over app-based bike taxis intensify Officials said the latest enforcement drive is aimed at preventing unlicensed operators from functioning and ensuring passenger safety. Authorities indicated that further inspections and action against illegal bike taxi services are likely in the coming days as the administration moves to tighten regulatory oversight.