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In this modern era of technology, where our daily life is becoming very easy and digital, the scope of cyber threats is also expanding rapidly. Recently, a very shocking and serious case has come to light, where some mischievous elements are suddenly stopping the e-rickshaw while moving on the road. For this, they are using a simple app named ‘BAT-BMS’ and Bluetooth connection in their smartphones.
At first glance, some boys may find this to be a simple joke, a means of making a reel or a prank, but from the point of view of law and public safety, it is a very serious and non-bailable crime. Let us know in detail what this whole technical game is and what strict stance the law of the country takes on it.
E-rickshaw is no longer just a vehicle, it is a computer running on wheels.
In today’s time, e-rickshaws running on Indian roads have become technologically advanced and digital. According to Pawan Duggal, Chairman of the International Commission on Cyber Security Law and a well-known cyber law expert of the country, today’s modern e-rickshaw is not just an ordinary vehicle of iron and wheels, but it legally works like a ‘digital computer system’.
Since it operates on a completely electronic and digital format, it has standard data storage, memory functions and electronic controlling units (ECUs). Taking advantage of this advanced technology, some hackers and pranksters are breaking into its system unauthorized access.
This dangerous and deadly game of BAT-BMS app and Bluetooth
Actually, the life of an e-rickshaw is its Lithium-ion battery. To manage the safety, charging and overheating of this battery, it has a Battery Management System (BMS) It is applied. Many mobile apps like ‘BAT-BMS’ present in the market provide official facility to track and monitor this BMS through Bluetooth.
But the problem arises when these mischievous elements connect the Bluetooth signal of an e-rickshaw running on the road to their phones without the permission or knowledge of the owner. Once the connection is established, they use the remote control feature within the app to suddenly ‘cut’ (power off) the battery’s main power supply. As a result, the moving vehicle suddenly stops in the middle of the road without any warning. This not only causes mental distress for the rickshaw puller and the passengers, but also directly invites a serious and fatal road accident due to the speeding vehicles coming from behind.
This is not a joke, this act will take you straight to jail: Sections of IT Act activated
If any youth or social media influencer is considering it merely as a means of entertainment or making YouTube prank videos, then he needs to be careful immediately. Cyber police and law experts have made it clear that this is not a game but a serious cyber crime. Indian Information Technology Act, 2000 Section 43 and Section 66 Under this it completely falls under the category of punishable offence. Illegal entry into the computer network of any vehicle or device without its consent is considered data theft and system hacking.
Rigorous jail sentence of 3 years and heavy fine of Rs 5 lakh
Legally, very strict punishment provisions have been set for such digital pranks:
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Jail sentence: If any person is caught red-handed or on the basis of CCTV footage, intentionally, jokingly or with any fraudulent/revenge intention, remotely switching off someone’s e-rickshaw, he will be punished. Rigorous punishment of up to 3 years in jail Might be possible.
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Financial penalty: imprisonment as well as imprisonment on that person if found guilty Heavy fine up to Rs 5 lakh Can also be applied. The courts and police of the country are taking a very strict stance regarding violation of digital security and endangering public life.
E-rickshaw drivers should immediately take these measures to avoid digital hacking
To keep themselves and their vehicles safe from this new type of cyber threat or unauthorized remote access, e-rickshaw drivers will have to upgrade and secure their technology a bit:
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Change default password: The first and most important thing to do is to immediately change the default password of BMS Bluetooth of your e-rickshaw. Often people never change the simple password given by the company or manufacturer (like 1234, 0000 or 8888), due to which any external app can easily pair it without permission.
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Custom and strong passwords: Go to your Bluetooth settings and set a strong and customized password. By doing this, no outsider will be able to remotely access the battery of your moving rickshaw. Being aware and alert about your digital security is the only and sure shot way to avoid the danger of this new cyber prank.