Ramdev’s Kimbho app removed from Google Play Store; Here's what Patanjali has to say

Just a few hours after Yoga Guru Ramdev’s messaging app Kimbho went live on the Google Play Store, it was withdrawn as it claimed to be a ‘security disaster’. Now, Patanjali Yogpeeth spokesperson SK Tijarawala says that the ‘swadesi’ WhatsApp rival, Kimbho app will officially launch soon and is a "technical work in progress."

Our trial version of #kimbho app is no longer available for download on any platform. We don't take any responsibility for many dulicate apps showing on anywhere. Beware!
आम सूचना..!#पतंजलि का #किम्भो एप का ट्रायल वर्जन अब कहीं भी डाउनलोड के लिए उपलब्ध नहीं है @yogrishiramdev https://t.co/KWkVrpoVge

— tijarawala sk (@tijarawala) May 31, 2018

#पतंजलि ने #किम्भो एप मात्र 1 दिन के लिए प्ले स्टोर पर ट्रायल पर डाला था। मात्र 3 घंटे में ही 1.5 लाख लोग इसे डाउनलोड करने लगेेेे। हम इस भारी व उत्साहजनक रेस्पॉन्स के प्रति आभारी हैं।
Technical work is in progress &#KIMBHO APP will be officially launched soon @yogrishiramdev pic.twitter.com/hbcq8qpiPS

— tijarawala sk (@tijarawala) May 31, 2018

Tijarwala mentioned in a tweet that the app was launched initially on Google Play Store and the Play Store but was taken down. He stated that the app will launch soon, however, there is no exact timeline provided. At the moment, technical work for Kimbho app is in progress, he added. The app saw 1.5 lakh downloads within the first three hours.

The app was criticized by well-known French security researcher Elliot Alderson who called the app, a ‘security disaster’. He called the app a ‘joke’ and mentioned that he was able to easily access the messages of all users.

Ok, I will stop here. The #Kimbho #android #app is a security disaster. I can access the messages of all the users..

— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018

Hi @KimbhoApp before trying to compete #WhatsApp, you can try to secure your app. It's possible to choose a security code between 0001 and 9999 and send it to the number of your choice #kimbhoApp pic.twitter.com/YQqK8lfIeI

— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018

This @KimbhoApp is a joke, next time before making press statements, hire competent developers... If it is not clear, for the moment don't install this app. #Kimbho #KimbhoApp pic.twitter.com/wLWzO6lhSR

— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018

Recently, Ramdev launched Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards, in alliance with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Initially, only the employees and office bearers of Patanjali will be able to avail the benefits of the SIM card.

After its full-fledged launch, people will get discount of 10 percent on Patanjali products with this card.

This year, Patanjali Ayurved Limited has also been ranked as India's most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand in the TRA's Brand Trust Report 2018. The Patanjali Ayurved Limited was established in 2006 by Ramdev, along with Acharya Balkrishna, with the objective of establishing a science of Ayurveda in accordance and coordination with the latest technology and ancient wisdom.

Earlier this year, Ramdev announced the availability of Patanjali Ayurveda's with eight e-tailers.  Patanjali Ayurveda had tied-up with Amazon, Flipkart, ShopClues, bigbasket_com, 1mgOfficial, Grofers and NetMeds. These partnerships with e-tailers will be in addition to its own portal patanjaliayurved.net, where the company is selling its products online.

Patanjali had also announced that it has plans to venture into solar equipment manufacturing. Besides the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) segment, Patanjali Ayurved is also present in other sectors including education and healthcare.