Team Goemkarponn
MOPA: In a major crackdown on unauthorized taxi operations, Goa Police have booked a local driver along with Uber’s management in the state for allegedly running services without valid permits at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Rahul Gupta confirmed that the Mopa Airport Police registered an FIR on August 18, 2025, following a complaint by Minesh Tar, Assistant Director of Transport, Mapusa. The charges were filed under Sections 223 and 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — relating to disobedience of a lawful order and cheating causing wrongful loss.
The case stems from an incident on August 9, when Vasco-based driver Kaif Shaikh was allegedly caught ferrying passengers using the Uber mobile app without mandatory permits from the State Transport Department. Authorities said such illegal operations not only breach transport laws but also raise safety concerns for passengers and result in revenue losses to the state.
Uber’s local management has also been named in the FIR. The investigation is currently being led by PSI Swapnil Kinalkar of Mopa Airport Police Station.
