The Nagpur Regional Transport Office (RTO) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Rapido founders Aravind Sanka and Pavan Guntupalli for allegedly operating bike taxi services without the required government approval. The complaint, submitted by Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Bhovte, states that Rapido has not received permission from the Maharashtra government or the Regional Transport Authority to run petrol-powered bike taxis in the state.
Details of the Complaint
According to the RTO complaint, Rapido's bike taxi operations in Nagpur violate the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as the company lacks the necessary authorization to operate commercial two-wheeler services. The FIR was registered at the Ganeshpeth police station on July 3, 2026. The RTO has accused the founders of conducting illegal transport activities that pose a risk to passenger safety and contravene state regulations.
Impact on Rapido's Operations
This legal action could disrupt Rapido's services in Maharashtra, one of its key markets. The company has been under scrutiny from transport authorities in various states for operating bike taxis without proper licenses. In 2023, the Karnataka High Court had restrained Rapido from operating bike taxis in that state following a similar petition. The Nagpur case marks the first criminal complaint against the founders personally, escalating the regulatory pressure on the startup.
Company Response
Rapido has not yet issued an official statement regarding the FIR. However, the company has previously argued that bike taxis are a legitimate mode of transport and that it complies with all applicable laws. The founders, Aravind Sanka and Pavan Guntupalli, are expected to respond to the legal notice. The case is likely to be heard in a Nagpur court, where the company may seek to quash the FIR or negotiate a settlement with the RTO.
Broader Regulatory Context
The Maharashtra government has been deliberating on a policy for bike taxis, but no formal approval has been granted to any aggregator for petrol-powered two-wheelers. The state has allowed electric bike taxis under certain schemes, but Rapido's fleet primarily consists of petrol vehicles. This regulatory gap has led to conflicts between transport authorities and ride-hailing platforms across India. The Nagpur RTO's action could set a precedent for other states to take similar enforcement measures.
