Taxi-booking service Uber has been banned in the Indian capital Delhi after one of its drivers allegedly raped a female passenger.
Delhi’s transport department confirmed the ban and added Uber is also “blacklisted” for “misleading customers”.
On Friday a woman used the smartphone application to take a taxi home but claims she was taken to a secluded area and raped.
The driver was arrested over the weekend and has appeared in court.
"(The) Transport Department has banned all activities relating to providing any transport service by the www.Uber.com with immediate effect," news agency AFP reported, quoting from a government statement.
Officials said any Uber taxi operating in Delhi will receive a fine and could have their vehicle impounded. However, they didn't give an indication on how long the ban would stay enforced.
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said it will work with the Indian government to work out new safety measures including background checks on drivers.
“We will partner closely with the groups who are leading the way on women’s safety here in New Delhi and around the country and invest in technology advances to help make New Delhi a safer city for women."
Uber has faced controversy already this year with a ban being enforced in Germany and a potential one in South Korea. There have also been mass protests this year from taxi drivers in many European cities including London and Rome.
Uber.com