A video‑borne prank that allows users to switch off electric rickshaws (e‑rickshaws) in Delhi with a mobile app has gone viral on social media, prompting an official response from the city’s transport minister.
The clip, shared widely on platforms such as X and Instagram, shows a rider opening an app labeled “BATS BMS” and pressing a button that instantly cuts power to a nearby e‑rickshaw, bringing the vehicle to a halt within seconds. The app’s interface appears to list vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that correspond to specific rickshaws, and the shutdown command is executed with a single tap. The video’s caption claims the tool is “Chinese‑made” and can be used by anyone with internet access.
Delhi’s Transport Minister Gaurav Bidhuri acknowledged the incident in a press briefing on Tuesday, stating that the government is “investigating the source and functionality of the app” and has instructed the Delhi Traffic Police to “take immediate legal action against any misuse.” Bidhuri also warned that such unauthorized tampering could endanger passengers and drivers, and urged the public to refrain from exploiting the software.
The phenomenon has sparked concerns among e‑rickshaw operators, who fear revenue loss and safety risks. The Delhi Electric Vehicle Association (DEVIA) issued a brief statement saying that while the app appears to exploit a vulnerability in the standard battery‑management system used by many locally assembled e‑rickshaws, the association is cooperating with authorities to identify the technical loophole and prevent further abuse.
Analysis:
The rapid spread of the video suggests a low barrier to accessing the app, raising questions about the security of the battery‑management systems (BMS) that control e‑rickshaw power. If the app indeed interfaces directly with the BMS, it could indicate that manufacturers have not adequately safeguarded remote access protocols, a shortfall that may be exploitable by malicious actors beyond pranksters. The minister’s call for investigation aligns with broader regulatory scrutiny of India’s burgeoning electric‑vehicle market, where rapid adoption has sometimes outpaced safety oversight.
Given the claim that the app is of Chinese origin, there may be geopolitical dimensions to the story, especially as India tightens rules on foreign technology in critical infrastructure. However, without concrete evidence linking the software to a specific foreign entity, such assertions remain speculative. Authorities will need to trace the app’s development and distribution channels before drawing conclusions about external interference.
The incident also highlights a regulatory gap: while Delhi has mandated that e‑rickshaws be equipped with standardized BMS units, there appears to be no mandatory certification for cybersecurity resilience. Strengthening these standards could mitigate risks of remote shutdowns, data breaches, or other forms of digital sabotage.
Sources
NDTV, “BATS BMS Chinese app lets riders remotely shut down Delhi e‑rickshaws in seconds,” https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bats-bms-chinese-app-lets-riders-remotely-shut-down-delhi-e-rickshaws-in-seconds-11719788.
Story synopsis gathered from: NDTV – India News — source
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