India, Sept. 28 -- Allegations Hit Bharat Taxi

The arrival of Bharat Taxi promised zero commissions and empowered drivers. But its rollout has triggered allegations of vigilantism, passenger intimidation, forced app deletions and thefts across Gujarat. So, why is the state-backed ride-hailing service in the middle of a full-blown storm?

Alleged Coercion & Intimidation: Drivers describe groups threatening violence and stealing money after stopping cabs mid-ride. Passengers, meanwhile, report being forced to cancel app bookings and delete Uber and Rapido apps. Fear of retaliation keeps many from approaching police, while passengers worry about safety and ride availability during trips.

The Economic Reality: Launched earlier this year, Bh...