Chinese App to Stop E-Rickshaw: Viral ‘Tirri Control’ Prank Videos Raise Safety Concerns
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A seemingly harmless internet trend has escalated into a major public safety and cybersecurity investigation in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a probe into a battery management application called BAT BMS, which is reportedly being used by pranksters to remotely shut down moving e-rickshaws (locally known as tirris).
The investigation was triggered after a flood of viral videos surfaced across Instagram, YouTube, X, and Reddit. The clips show individuals using the app on their smartphones to abruptly turn off the batteries of moving e-rickshaws, leaving drivers bewildered, stranded, and highly vulnerable in the middle of chaotic city traffic.
In one notable escalation, police in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, reportedly detained a suspect accused of deliberately interfering with commercial e-rickshaws to record these ‘pranks’ for social media clout. Law enforcement and government officials are now treating the matter as a severe public safety hazard rather than mere digital mischief.
How the ‘Tirri Control’ Exploit Works
The controversy centers around the connection between the mobile app and the Battery Management System (BMS) installed inside many Chinese-manufactured electric vehicle batteries.
Once a malicious user connects to the vehicle's BMS, they can instantly:
- Cut off the battery's power delivery entirely.
- Manipulate or throttle the power output.
- Enforce a hard stop on the vehicle while it is actively navigating traffic.
Broad Safety Risks in India’s EV Sector
Because e-rickshaws heavily operate in densely populated zones, such as narrow market lanes, school zones, and metro station exits, a sudden loss of power creates a cascade of dangers. Cybersecurity experts warn that this incident exposes a glaring vulnerability in the low-cost end of India’s electric vehicle boom.
What MeitY is Investigating
The central government's technical review is currently focused on four critical areas:
- Unauthorized Access: Confirming whether the app inherently lacks basic Bluetooth handshake protocols, leaving batteries open to public manipulation.
- Data Sovereignty: Assessing if the app is unlawfully storing or transmitting Indian users' data to external servers overseas.
- Regulatory Compliance: Verifying if the hardware and software adhere to Indian cybersecurity guidelines.
- Supply Chain Origin: Examining the role of Chinese manufacturers in provisioning these unsecured components and determining if a blanket ban or new safety mandates are required.
Advisory for E-Rickshaw Operators
While MeitY's technical investigation continues, transport authorities are urging e-rickshaw owners to take immediate precautions. Drivers are advised to consult their battery vendors to see if default Bluetooth PINs can be changed, strictly avoid downloading third-party or unverified APK versions of battery apps, and report any sudden power losses to local authorities immediately.
