Maharashtra bans radio-based cab services

Before the ban came into effect, an Uber executive was roughed up in Bandra.

The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday banned all radio-based cab services in the State following an “advice” by the Centre in the wake of the alleged horrific rape of a 27-year woman executive in a taxi in the national capital.

Meanwhile, an executive with the Mumbai wing of the Uber cab services was roughed up in the western suburbs of Mumbai by an alleged member of an NGO run by Nitesh Rane, son of senior Congress leader Narayan Rane.

The Transport department took the decision on the “advice” of the Union Home Ministry. State Tansport Scretary S.K. Sharma said the ban would be “effective immediately” and “orders have been issued to the Transport Commissioner to stop all web-based cab booking.”

Before the ban came into effect on Wednesday afternoon, an Uber executive, Sailesh Sawlani was roughed up when he was leaving the Transport Commissioner’s office in Bandra.  The accused, K.K Tiwari, who claimed to belong to the Swabhimani Sangatna, an NGO run by Mr. Rane’s son, allegedly assaulted Mr. Sawlani for “bringing shame to the drivers fraternity.”

“They hire rapists and all the genuine taxi drivers have to face the brunt,” Mr. Tiwari told journalists. The police, however, claimed that it has not received any complaint.