The government on Friday said two smartphone applications linked to reports of remotely disabling e-rickshaws have been removed from app stores after they came to the authorities’ notice.Speaking on the sidelines of a CII Cybersecurity Summit, IT secretary S Krishnan confirmed that action had been taken after reports emerged that some e-rickshaws could be rendered inoperable through the Chinese smartphone application BAT-BMS.“That is right…there are a couple of apps, which came to our notice yesterday and both of them have been taken down from the app stores,” Krishnan said, according to news agency PTI.
Govt asks app stores to exercise greater scrutiny
He also stressed that app stores must exercise due diligence before allowing applications on their platforms and said the government would take up the issue with them to ensure potentially harmful apps are not made available.Earlier, the issue gained widespread attention after videos circulated on social media claiming that some e-rickshaws were being remotely shut down through a feature linked to the BAT-BMS application.The videos raised concerns over the cybersecurity risks associated with internet-connected vehicle management systems.The Delhi government has asked its transport department to verify the authenticity of the BAT-BMS application and investigate claims that it can remotely disable e-rickshaws through Bluetooth connectivity.Transport minister Pankaj Singh said officials had been directed to examine the matter after receiving complaints, although no formal written complaint had been submitted.
How the BAT-BMS app allegedly works
Preliminary findings by government officials suggest the application allows users to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries within a limited range.While the app is designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage and temperature, officials believe it has been misused to disrupt e-rickshaws.Officials also pointed out that many budget e-rickshaws in India use Chinese-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) with limited security features.These systems often lack password protection or authentication, making it possible for nearby users to connect through Bluetooth and disable the battery’s power output.BAT-BMS was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology in China’s Shenzhen province as a legitimate battery management tool. The application enables users to monitor battery health and remotely manage compatible lithium batteries.However, its remote control feature has reportedly been exploited in India by connecting to unsecured battery systems fitted in some electric vehicles.Several viral videos showed users stopping e-rickshaws by switching off the battery’s discharge function through the app, sometimes leaving drivers stranded in the middle of the road.Some drivers claimed they had paid strangers to help restart their vehicles after being targeted.
