Attaching cars to mobile-based self-drive rental apps is emerging as a growing concern for vehicle owners in Indore. More than five such apps are currently active in the city, with over a thousand cars registered on these platforms. In several recent incidents, rented vehicles have allegedly been used in crimes such as liquor smuggling, with FIRs being filed in the names of car owners. EOW DSP Pankaj Gautam said that following complaints, a notice has been issued to the company. However, no response has been received so far, and details have been sought from the Transport Department. Company silent on queries The media team of Bhaskar also attempted to contact Zoomcar officials for their response but received no reply. Vehicles misused in criminal cases On April 20, 2026, a reporter in Indore booked a Swift Dzire through the Zoomcar app. The vehicle carried a private registration number and lacked a commercial permit or yellow number plate. Owner Mahesh Udhani said he listed his car on the platform as he does not use it regularly. Companies like Zoomcar facilitate online agreements between owners and users, stating that vehicles are for private use, while GPS control remains with the company. In another case, Indore resident Surendra Singh Nahar said his car, listed on the platform, remained in a Godhra garage for six months after an accident. Similarly, Noida-based engineer Sonu Yadav’s vehicle was allegedly caught in liquor smuggling in Bihar in September 2025. To secure its release, he reportedly had to take a loan and obtain anticipatory bail from the Bihar High Court. Post navigation Ken-Betwa project eviction turns violent in Dhodan:Villagers clash with police; attack bulldozers, several Injured Fatal allergy after haldi ceremony:Bride dies, groom critical; Know how to check if your food is adulterated?
