Patanjali's messaging app 'Kimbho' pulled down from Google Play Store

Kimbho app will be launched officially on August 27 after fixing the shortcomings

Kimbho app
Kimbho app
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Aug 16 2018 | 11:49 PM IST

Patanjali Ayurved's messaging app 'Kimbho' was on Thursday pulled down from Google Play Store, a day after its beta trial version was introduced on the platform.

The Baba Ramdev-led firm alleged that it was a conspiracy by multinational companies against a Swadeshi firm and said the app will be back soon.

"#Patanjali #kimbho App has fallen victim of conspiracy of foreign companies #MNCs. We regret the inconveniences. It will be back soon," said a tweet by Patanjali Ayurved Spokesperson S K Tijarawala.

When contacted, Tijarawala said the trial version of the 'Kimbho' app was removed by Google without citing any reason.

ALSO READ: Patanjali's 'upgraded' Kimbho messaging app to be launched on August 27

"We are communicating with them asking the reason why it was removed from the Play Store," he added.

E-mails sent to Google did not elicit a response.

Yesterday, the Haridwar-based firm had put Kimbho's trial version on Google Play Store for downloads almost two months after it was taken down hastily.

It had also said the app will be launched officially on August 27 after fixing the shortcomings.

On May 31 this year, Patanjali had removed Kimbho, which means 'how are you' or 'what's up' in Sanskrit, from Google Play Store and Apple's App Store just a day after launch, saying it was released only for a one-day trial.

At that time, several technical experts had pointed out security flaws in the app.

Patanjali is pitching 'Kimbho' as a competitor to Facebook-owned Whatsapp.

Patanjali, known for its range of FMCG products, had claimed that Kimbho had witnessed around 150,000 downloads in the first three hours.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 16 2018 | 11:47 PM IST

Next Story