The application, identified as BAT-BMS, was originally designed to monitor the performance and status of lithium-ion batteries. However, pranksters allegedly exploited unsecured Bluetooth systems found in imported lithium-ion batteries widely used in India's unorganized electric rickshaw sector. By accessing the battery management system remotely, they were able to cut power to moving vehicles, causing them to stop unexpectedly on busy roads.
Officials have described the incident as a significant public safety risk, warning that the sudden loss of power while vehicles are in motion could result in road accidents and endanger both passengers and other commuters. The disruption has also affected the livelihoods of electric rickshaw drivers, whose vehicles were rendered inoperable without warning.
The Delhi Transport Department has launched an investigation into the matter, while the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed Google and Apple to remove the BAT-BMS application from their respective app stores by Thursday evening in an effort to prevent further misuse.
Cyber law experts have termed the misuse of the application a serious offense under India's Information Technology Act. They stated that individuals found responsible for exploiting the application to disable vehicles could face legal action, including imprisonment of up to three years.
The incident has exposed critical security vulnerabilities in Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems used in low-cost imported lithium-ion batteries. It has also highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity safeguards, stricter regulatory oversight, and enhanced protection of connected vehicle technologies to prevent similar disruptions and safeguard public safety.
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