Daijiworld Media Network- Mopa

Mopa, Aug 20: In a major action against unauthorised taxi services, Goa Police have registered an FIR against a cab driver and app-based ride-hailing giant Uber for allegedly operating illegally at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.

Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Rahul Gupta confirmed that the case was lodged on Monday under sections 223 and 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint by Minesh Tar, Assistant Director of Transport.

The FIR names Kaif Shaikh, a cab driver from Vasco da Gama, along with the Uber management in Goa.

According to the complaint, at around 7.10 am on August 9, Shaikh was caught ferrying passengers through an Uber booking without a valid permit or licence from the state transport department.

Authorities stated that such unauthorised operations not only flout transport rules but also pose risks to passenger safety and cause revenue loss to the state exchequer.

SP Gupta added that the case has been handed over to Sub-Inspector Swapnil Kinalkar of Mopa Airport Police Station for further investigation.

The FIR has reignited debate over the long-standing tussle between traditional taxi operators and app-based services in Goa, particularly around airports and tourist hubs.