Trade unions and stakeholders in the app-based cab industry have demanded a high-level inquiry into Rapido’s bike taxi operations in Maharashtra, calling for a ban on services they allege are illegal.
They have flagged and passenger verification, tax transparency, and public safety, and threatened a statewide agitation and a one-day strike.
The demand follows preliminary police findings that one of the suspects arrested in connection with the firing involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was an Andheri-based Rapido bike taxi driver.
A bullet shell casing is encircled amid an investigation conducted by the police and forensic officials at the crime scene
Speaking to mid-day, Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Labour Sabha, said the reported link had renewed concerns over the legality of bike taxi operations, verification procedures, passenger safety and the alleged inaction of the state government and transport department.
“We have repeatedly raised concerns with the and transport authorities over the functioning of bike taxi services operated by companies such as Rapido. There has been inadequate verification of drivers’ identities, backgrounds and documents could pose risks to public safety and national security. Hence we have called for an immediate, high-level investigation into the company’s operations and accountability for any violations established during the inquiry,” he told mid-day. “We have called for mandatory identity and background verification of passengers as safety measures must protect drivers as well as commuters,” he added.
Police and forensic officials investigate the crime scene where gunmen opened fire at actor Tiger Shroff, near Pushpa Park near Juhu police station
The organisation has also sought a transparent account of Rapido’s daily rides, total revenue and taxes payable in Maharashtra. It has called for a joint review by transport and tax authorities to establish whether applicable taxes on passenger fares are being deposited in accordance with the law.
Rapido responds
Responding to mid-day, Rapido said it was concerned about the incident involving Shroff and his team and relieved that the actor was safe. “We are deeply concerned by the incident involving Tiger Shroff and his team, and we are relieved that he is safe. We wish him a swift recovery.
“We are aware of media reports mentioning an individual registered as a captain on the . He has not been active as a captain on our platform since October 14. As is common in India’s larger gig economy, individuals may be registered with several platforms at the same time. On the day of the incident, the individual had used Rapido’s services as a customer,” the company said.
“We are in constant touch with the authorities and are supporting them in their investigation. We responded promptly and have shared all the information requested from us. Rapido has zero tolerance for violence or criminal activity, and we will continue to extend our full cooperation,” it added.
Union threatens statewide agitation
Kshirsagar said the organisation had been pursuing the issue with the government for several years and would not compromise on passenger safety, driver protection, verification procedures, national security or financial transparency.
He alleged that failure to act on complaints and reported incidents would amount to a serious failure by the government and transport department to protect the public. He demanded legal action against those found responsible and called for the immediate closure of services operating in violation of applicable laws.
“If the government continues to ignore our demands, the Maharashtra Labour Sabha will launch an intensive agitation across the state and call for a one-day strike with the participation of autorickshaw and cab drivers,” Kshirsagar said.
The organisation said its campaign would focus on passenger and driver safety, legal compliance, national security, tax transparency and the rights of autorickshaw and cab drivers.
Nine-point list of demands submitted to government
The Maharashtra Labour Sabha has urged the authorities concerned to…
1. Suspend services: Immediately suspend Rapido’s bike taxi services in Maharashtra and order a high-level inquiry into its operations.
2. Verify drivers: Conduct comprehensive checks of drivers’ identities, documents and criminal records, including mandatory police verification before employment.
3. Verify passengers: Introduce mandatory passenger KYC and identity verification, with secure digital records.
4. Review cases: Examine cases registered against the company and take appropriate legal action against owners, office-bearers and employees where warranted.
5. Examine MCOCA provisions: Apply stringent laws, including the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), if the investigation establishes the necessary evidence and legal grounds.
6. Blacklist illegal operators: Establish a process to blacklist the company and stop any bike taxi services found to be operating illegally.
7. Publish safety data: Release a report on complaints, accidents, driver fatalities, alleged harassment of women and enforcement action by the transport department.
8. Disclose financial details: Publish daily ride figures, total revenue and taxes paid to the government.
9. Audit tax compliance: Seek an independent examination by Income Tax and GST authorities to verify compliance with applicable tax laws.