The Union government on July 3 ordered the blocking of battery management apps after reports emerged of e-rickshaws being remotely disabled during passenger trips.
The apps, largely developed by Chinese companies including Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, Shenzhen Ruichuang Lineng Technology and Daly BMS, allow remote shutdown of lithium-ion batteries even without internet access if no password or PIN is set.
Instagram reels showing vehicles halting mid-journey went viral in the preceding week. A senior official noted that stranding vehicles in this manner constitutes a punishable offence under regular IPC and BNS sections for criminal mischief.
In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, police arrested an individual who demanded ₹200 from a driver after disabling an e-rickshaw at Loti Tiraha. Station in-charge Tarun Kuril said the racket surfaced after drivers reported their batteries being switched off via mobile apps.