App says ‘locked’, fraudster says ‘pay’:Driver gives ₹300 to unlock battery; E-rickshaw scam spreads across Madhya Pradesh

A unique case of cyber fraud targeting e-rickshaw drivers has come to light in Ujjain. Vehicles were being shut down by gaining access to the e-rickshaw’s Battery Management System (BMS) through a mobile app. After this, the accused would identify himself as a mechanic and restart the e-rickshaw for 200 to 300 rupees. Police have arrested one accused and registered a case of cyber fraud. A similar case has also come to light in Bhopal. More than five thousand e-rickshaws operate in the city, and a large number of devotees visiting the Mahakal temple use them. In the last four to five days, more than half a dozen e-rickshaws suddenly stopped while running. Each time, a young man would arrive at the spot, identify himself as a mechanic, and restart the vehicle within minutes for 300 rupees. E-Rickshaw association became suspicious After a series of similar incidents, the E-rickshaw Association complained to the police. The police asked drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person. On Wednesday evening, an e-rickshaw stopped at Loti School Tirahe. A short while later, a young man arrived, asking for 300 rupees to fix it. The driver caught him and handed him over to the police. Using BAT BMS Mobile App During interrogation, the accused was identified as Ritesh Bhanupa (18), resident of village Navli, Bhairugarh police station. The investigation revealed that he would gain access to the Battery Management System (BMS) of nearby e-rickshaws via Bluetooth using the BAT BMS mobile app. After that, he would shut down the vehicle and then restart it after taking money. E-rickshaw parked outside home also hacked E-rickshaw driver Mukesh said that the vehicle parked outside his house was also hacked. He tried to start the vehicle, but it did not start. After this, he called his friend. The friend checked the system and restarted the vehicle. Mukesh said that he is facing a lot of trouble due to such incidents. 10 to 15 e-rickshaws started in 24 hours E-rickshaw driver Rinku said that his vehicle suddenly stopped near two ponds on Wednesday. He contacted the company, after which an app was sent to him. With the help of that app, he started his vehicle. After this, he found another driver’s vehicle stopped on the way, which he started with the same app. Rinku said that in the last 24 hours, he has started 10 to 15 e-rickshaws in this manner. Vehicles stopped midway in Bhopal due to locked battery On Wednesday night, in Bhopal’s old city, the batteries of several e-rickshaws got locked via an app, causing the vehicles to stop mid-route. This caused inconvenience to drivers and passengers, and led to disputes in several places. E-rickshaw drivers accuse company of extortion Drivers allege that after the batteries were locked, the vehicles would not restart. They had to go to the company to get them unlocked, where money was charged. E-rickshaw driver Mohammad Akhtar stated that his rickshaw suddenly stopped four times in one day. He transports school children, so his work was affected. He alleges that he was charged 400 rupees to unlock the battery at the company’s office located at Jinsi Chauraha. Disputes also arose with workshop staff Drivers say that their livelihood and income are being affected by the battery being locked via the app. Passengers also faced problems due to the vehicle stopping midway. After the incident, there was resentment among drivers in many areas of Old Bhopal, and disputes also occurred in some places. They have demanded an investigation into the matter and immediate rectification if there is any technical glitch or irregularity. BAT BMS App is available on google play store According to the police, the BAT BMS app is available on the Google Play Store. When Bluetooth is on, this app searches for the BMS of some nearby e-rickshaws. If the system is not password-protected, some control options associated with it may be found. Police are investigating what security flaws existed in the concerned e-rickshaw models and how the accused technically misused them. To avoid hacking, e-rickshaw companies are providing password-protected systems According to some drivers, e-rickshaws are being affected by apps other than BAT BMS, including Xiaoxiang. Police said that many companies are now providing password facilities for Bluetooth. Drivers can contact their company and set a password for the battery’s Bluetooth to avoid such hacking. Police said – investigation started after receiving complaints Traffic Sub Inspector Indrapal Rajput said that an investigation was started after receiving complaints. Nilganga police station has registered a case against the accused under relevant sections, including cyber fraud. It is also being investigated how many e-rickshaw drivers he targeted in this manner. Police Advisory