The State Transport Department officials conducted a raid against city cabs at Sadarahalli Toll on Airport Road, Devanahalli on Friday and seized 100 taxis belonging to Ola which have been operating illegally in the city.

Joint Commissioner of Transport Department, Narendra Holkar said that these cabs were found running with state taxi permits and charging exorbitant fares against the rules.

Cabs are supposed to charge fares only according to the norms laid down by the Government. On the contrary, they were found to be charging high fares.

These seized cabs did not have digital fare meters fitted rather installed mobiles with GPS connectivity which displayed defective and higher fares. In some cabs, it was found that fares were levied at 10 times higher rate than the rate fixed by Government. Cabs are supposed to pay advance tax but most of these cabs have not paid taxes at all. Most of the cabs were also found to be violating pollution norms. Validity period of fitness certificate had also expired.

Legal action is being initiated against the company for cancellation of licences of these drivers and such raids will continue in future, Mr. Holkar said.