Nagpur: Sitabuldi Police have registered a criminal case against three directors of app-based mobility platform Rapido for allegedly operating bike taxi services in Nagpur without obtaining mandatory permission from the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

The accused have been identified as Rishikesh S.R., Pawan Guntupalli, and Aravind Sakam, all directors of Rapido.

According to police, Rapido allegedly enabled commuters to book rides through its mobile application and travel on two-wheelers despite not having the required authorization from the Regional Transport Authority. Officials have claimed that operating such services without regulatory approval could potentially compromise passenger safety.

Investigators said the company had applied to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) nearly three years ago seeking permission to operate passenger transport services. However, the application was reportedly rejected by the transport authorities.

Following the rejection, the company challenged the decision before the High Court and later the Supreme Court, but allegedly failed to secure any relief or permission to run the services.

Police alleged that despite lacking the necessary approvals, Rapido continued facilitating bike taxi rides through its app in Nagpur.

Based on a complaint filed by Regional Transport Officer Rahul Chaudhary, Sitabuldi Police have registered a case against the three directors. Further investigation into the matter is underway.