Pune Police Ask Google, Apple To Remove Rapido App Over Illegal Bike Taxi Operations
Written By: Kailash Jha | Published: October 27, 2026 at 09:44 PM
Pune Police have asked Google and Apple to remove Rapido from their app stores following allegations that the company has continued running bike taxis without the necessary approval. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that communications had been sent to the two technology companies. However, there is no confirmation that either app store has complied, and the bike-taxi option was reportedly still available in Pune when the request was made.
This demand marks a significant escalation. Rapido also offers autorickshaw and cab bookings, so removing the entire application could impact services unrelated to the disputed bike-taxi operation. It could also cause issues for existing customers with the app installed, as simply taking an app off a store doesn’t necessarily disable software already on a phone.
Why Pune Authorities Are Taking Action
The dispute centers on operating paid passenger rides on motorcycles. Pune’s Regional Transport Office alleges that Rapido arranged paid rides on two-wheelers registered as private vehicles, without the required aggregator license and permits. A transport inspector booked a ride through the application during an enforcement check, leading to a First Information Report against Rapido’s parent company, Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd, at Vishrantwadi police station.
The administration had previously warned Rapido on October 15 and asked the company to stop its bike-taxi operations until it secured the required license. District Collector Jitendra Dudi also requested the company to stop operations and asked police to disable the bike-taxi booking option within the Pune district. The recent letters to Google and Apple seek a broader remedy by targeting the application itself.
Rapido reportedly applied for an aggregator license on August 11, 2026, but the application remained pending at the time of the enforcement action. It’s important to note that an application is not the same as an operating permit, and an FIR merely records allegations for investigation, not a guilty verdict.
Why Removing The Whole App Is Contentious
Autorickshaw unions have questioned why bike rides remain bookable despite official notices. They argue that authorized transport operators face various obligations, including permits, insurance, and regulations, and have expressed concerns about rider checks and passenger safety. These objections deserve attention, especially regarding the use of private motorcycles for commercial purposes.
However, the proposed solution is controversial. Removing Rapido from an app store would restrict new downloads across a broader area unless the platforms could impose regional restrictions. This could disrupt access to auto and cab services used by commuters unrelated to the disputed motorcycle trips. Existing installations may continue functioning unless the service itself is disabled.
A more technically focused response would be to suspend motorcycle bookings in the affected district while the license issue is resolved. This was initially requested by the collector. Yet, it remains unclear whether police or technology companies can enforce city-specific service restrictions and under what legal authority.
Passengers and riders need a clear answer. Commuters use bike taxis for cost-effective and quicker last-mile travel in congested areas. Removing the service without a suitable alternative could impact these travelers. At the same time, passengers require assurance regarding commercial insurance and rider safety standards.