IndiaIn Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, police have detained an 18-year-old suspect involved in a scheme where individuals allegedly hacked e-rickshaws using a mobile app to disable them during late-night hours. The perpetrators reportedly posed as technical experts, charged drivers between Rs 200 and Rs 300 to restart the vehicles, and exploited a known vulnerability in the Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management System (BMS) of e-rickshaws. This flaw, caused by a lack of password protection in the BAT-BMS app by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, led to significant financial losses for drivers who were often unaware of the system’s features. Following multiple complaints from drivers and the Unorganised E-rickshaw Drivers and Operators Association, authorities launched an investigation. The suspect, Ritesh Bhanupa, has been detained, and police are examining technical evidence, CCTV footage, and other clues to determine the extent of the network. Authorities have issued warnings to drivers to avoid interacting with unknown individuals offering assistance and to seek help only from authorized service centers.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the incident, focusing on factual reporting without overtly favoring any political group or ideology. It highlights both the technological vulnerability and the criminal activity, while emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and driver awareness. The
