Authorities seize more than 200 motorcycles in crackdown on unregistered bike taxis

The Story in Brief

Bengaluru’s Transport Department seized more than 200 two-wheelers on Wednesday in a citywide enforcement drive against app-based bike taxi services operating without commercial permits. Teams from all 11 Regional Transport Office jurisdictions carried out simultaneous inspections at major junctions, business districts and residential neighbourhoods, targeting motorcycles with white registration plates that officials said were being used to carry passengers for hire. Along with impounding vehicles, authorities warned violators could face suspension of driving licences and registration certificates and other penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. The department recorded seizures across RTO limits – 10 in Bengaluru West, eight in North, 12 in Rajajinagar and over 40 in Singanayakanahalli in Yelahanka – and said officers checked some riders’ mobile phones for app bookings. Transport Commissioner R. Selvamani said the crackdown will continue until legal clarity after the High Court noted bike taxis could be permitted by an amendment and the issue remains pending before the Supreme Court. The operation prompted protests outside the Rajajinagar RTO and allegations by some Rapido riders that autorickshaw drivers helped enforcement intercept services.

The Indian Opinion

The enforcement action follows the Motor Vehicles Act and the department’s duty to act while the legal position is unresolved. The report also shows the immediate local impact: more than 200 seizures, protests and claims from some riders about coordination that aided enforcement. Those claims of autorickshaw drivers sharing trip details are serious but are presented as allegations in the article without independent verification. Courts have indicated bike taxis might be regulated through an amendment, and the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, so the legal framework and longer-term outcome remain uncertain. A measured public view would note both legal compliance and the livelihood implications for riders.

Original article: Over 200 bikes seized in drive against unregistered bike taxis (www.hindustantimes.com)

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