The Indian government has officially ordered Google and Apple to remove seven battery management system (BMS) apps from their platforms due to a reckless viral trend. These applications, which include software like BAT-BMS and Smart BMS, were being exploited by pranksters to remotely disable e-rickshaws while they were in transit. The trend, colloquially dubbed the “Tirri prank,” gained dangerous momentum on social media after content creators filmed themselves stranding drivers in traffic, leading to massive congestion and significant safety risks on public roads.

The vulnerability stems from a lack of password protection and basic authentication in these Chinese-developed apps, allowing anyone within a 15-meter Bluetooth range to cut power to an unsuspecting vehicle. Reports have surfaced of drivers being harassed and even extorted by individuals who would shut down their rickshaws and demand payment to restore functionality. In response, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has emphasized the need for stricter digital accountability, while manufacturers and local authorities are scrambling to provide technical support to affected drivers and put an end to this malicious misuse of vehicle technology.