The controversy gained momentum after multiple videos appeared on platforms including X and Instagram, showing electric rickshaw drivers—locally referred to as battery rickshaws—allegedly experiencing sudden vehicle shutdowns in traffic. In several widely shared clips, drivers were seen pushing their vehicles to repair locations, while some were reportedly captured in distress, claiming loss of a full day’s earnings.
One viral post on X by a user identified as “ghar ke lalesh” claimed that an electric rickshaw driver was forced to push his vehicle for nearly three kilometers after it was allegedly disabled remotely. The authenticity of the video and the claims made within it have not been independently verified.
As speculation intensified online, users began attributing the alleged incidents to a mobile application known as BAT-BMS, a Bluetooth-based battery management tool. The application is reportedly a free utility developed for monitoring smart lithium batteries in real time, displaying data such as state of charge, voltage, current, temperature, individual cell condition, and cycle life through Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.
The application is associated with Shenzhen Grenergy Technology Co., Ltd. and is used in electric mobility systems, recreational vehicles, marine applications, and solar energy storage setups. Reports circulating on social media suggest that some low-cost battery systems may lack robust authentication safeguards, leading to claims that unauthorized proximity-based access could interfere with power systems. However, these assertions remain part of the ongoing public discussion and have not been formally substantiated by authorities.
Social media reactions have been sharply divided. Some users described the alleged incidents as targeted harassment of vulnerable drivers, while others argued that the issue lies in unsecured Bluetooth configurations in battery systems. A section of users suggested that enabling password protection and disabling Bluetooth when not in use could reduce such risks. Others called for stricter regulatory measures, including restrictions on the application and accountability for those allegedly responsible for misuse.
Additional posts demanded punitive action against individuals engaging in such activities, while some commentators framed the situation as a broader concern over technological vulnerabilities in imported electronic components.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any technical cause behind the reported incidents, and investigations into the viral claims are ongoing. Chat-based analyses and online discussions continue to circulate, but no official technical verification has been released.
The incident has drawn attention to the intersection of urban transport systems, battery management technologies, and cybersecurity concerns, highlighting emerging challenges in rapidly expanding electric mobility infrastructure.
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