E-Rickshaw Battery Scam: App Locking Scam with ₹300 Fee Reported

A cyber fraud scheme targeting electric rickshaw operators has been reported in Madhya Pradesh, with authorities alleging that a suspect exploited vulnerabilities in battery management systems to disable vehicles and demand payment for restoration.

The Alleged Scam Unfolds

Law enforcement officials in Ujjain have detained an 18-year-old suspect, while similar incidents have been documented in Bhopal. Multiple e-rickshaw drivers in Ujjain reported their vehicles abruptly ceasing operation over the past several days. In each instance, an individual approached the affected operator, posing as a mechanic, and provided a quick fix after receiving ₹300. The repetitive nature of these incidents prompted the E-rickshaw Association to file a formal complaint with local police.

How the Scam Operated

On Wednesday, an e-rickshaw broke down near Loti School Square, leading to the arrest of a suspect who demanded ₹300 for repairs. During interrogation, the individual was identified as Ritesh Bhanupa. Authorities claim he utilized the BAT BMS mobile application to connect to the battery management systems of nearby vehicles via Bluetooth. If the BMS lacked a password, he allegedly locked the vehicle remotely and later unlocked it following payment.

Impact on E-Rickshaw Operators

Some drivers reported that e-rickshaws parked at their residences suddenly failed to start. Others mentioned receiving an application from the manufacturer that allowed them to restart not only their own vehicles but also those of other operators. One driver claimed to have restarted 10 to 15 e-rickshaws within 24 hours using the same tool. In Bhopal’s old city, multiple e-rickshaw operators alleged their batteries were locked through a mobile application, causing vehicles to stop mid-trip. These incidents disrupted operations and led to conflicts at several locations.

The Role of the BAT BMS Application

The BAT BMS application, according to police, is publicly accessible. Investigators are examining potential security flaws in the affected e-rickshaw models’ battery management systems and whether other applications, such as Xiaoxiang, were similarly exploited.

Expert Advice and Recommendations

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh highlighted the growing risk of internet-connected vehicles and smart devices being targeted by malicious actors. He emphasized that unprotected Bluetooth interfaces or control systems could be exploited if not secured with strong passwords or authentication protocols. Singh advised e-rickshaw owners to implement robust Bluetooth security measures, seek assistance only from authorized service centers, and avoid paying unverified individuals for repairs.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action

A formal case has been registered, with ongoing efforts to determine the full scope of the alleged scheme. Authorities are working to identify all affected vehicles and ensure that security vulnerabilities are addressed to prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the importance of securing internet-connected devices and being vigilant against cyber threats. E-rickshaw operators are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles and livelihoods.

FAQs

What is the BAT BMS application? The BAT BMS application is a tool used to manage battery systems in e-rickshaws. Authorities allege it was exploited to lock vehicles remotely.

How can e-rickshaw operators protect themselves? They should use strong passwords for Bluetooth and BMS systems, avoid unverified repair services, and seek assistance from authorized centers.

What should drivers do if their vehicle is locked? Contact authorized service centers immediately and report the incident to local authorities.

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Anuj

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