Can a Chinese app really stop your e-rickshaw? Inside the viral ‘Tirri Trend’ prank video | explainer news

Last updated:July 03, 2026, 07:58 IST

The prank has highlighted security concerns. If a vehicle loses power suddenly, it can block traffic, cause accidents, leave passengers stranded and cause drivers to lose financially.

A little-known Chinese battery-management app has suddenly come under question after videos surfaced online showing people Remote shutdown of e-rickshaw in the middle of the road, leaving drivers stranded and creating concerns about public safety.

The app, known as BAT BMS (also known as BMS/Tirri Control in some versions), is used to manage and monitor lithium-ion batteries fitted in many low-cost electric vehicles, particularly e-rickshaws. Authorities are now investigating whether the design of the app allows unauthorized users to access and control vehicles that do not belong to them. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also started investigating the issue after videos of such “pranks” went viral.

The controversy has raised a big question: Can a smartphone app actually stop a vehicle remotely? The answer appears to be yes, at least in some cases.

‘Tirri control’ trend

The controversy began when dozens of short videos began circulating on Instagram, YouTube, X and Reddit, showing people remotely maneuvering compatible e-rickshaws using the BAT BMS app.

Most of the clips follow a similar pattern. People are seen standing on the roadside, opening the BAT BMS app, connecting it to a nearby battery and allegedly switching off the vehicle while moving. Drivers get confused when the power of their e-rickshaw suddenly stops in the middle of traffic.

Many creators have branded these videos as ‘Tirri Control’ (a colloquial reference to e-rickshaws in parts of North India). The clips often show mischievous people approaching a passing e-rickshaw, connecting to the battery through the app and filming the driver’s reaction after the vehicle suddenly stops.

Some videos show the pranksters or onlookers using the same app to turn the battery back on, portraying the entire incident as entertainment. In other clips, stranded drivers can be seen asking for help from passers-by to restart their vehicles.

Although authorities have not confirmed that every viral video is genuine, these videos are significant enough to trigger a government investigation.

What exactly is BAT BMS?

BAT BMS is a battery-management application that is connected to the battery management system (BMS) used in electric vehicles.

The BMS acts as the “brain” of the EV battery. It monitors battery health, charging cycles, temperature, voltage level and power output. Many battery manufacturers offer companion apps that allow users to view battery data on their phones via Bluetooth or Internet connectivity.

According to Business Standard, BAT BMS is linked to the battery systems used in a large number of e-rickshaws and low-speed EVs sold in India.

How else can someone stop the e-rickshaw?

This is an aspect which is still under investigation. Reports suggest that some versions of the app may allow users to find and connect to nearby batteries without sufficiently strong authentication measures.

Once connected, users can reportedly access functions such as turning the power on or off, restricting battery output, changing settings, and disabling vehicle speed. Videos circulating online show people apparently identifying nearby e-rickshaws and deactivating them remotely, causing the vehicles to stop unexpectedly.

The Indian Express reported that authorities are still verifying the authenticity of all viral videos and determining the exact technical mechanisms involved. However, the video has created enough concern for both central and state authorities to initiate inquiries.

What happened in Ujjain?

After the police action in Madhya Pradesh, the matter went beyond social media.

A suspect was detained in Ujjain on charges of interfering with e-rickshaw and using the app to upload videos online. Investigators are looking into whether the person took advantage of vulnerabilities in the app’s access controls to remotely disrupt vehicles.

The case becomes one of the first instances where authorities have treated alleged misuse of such battery-management software as a public-safety concern rather than simply an online prank.

Why are experts worried?

The biggest concern is security.

Most e-rickshaws operate in crowded urban areas, near schools and markets, on busy roads and with many passengers. If a vehicle suddenly loses power, it can lead to traffic jams, accidents, stranded passengers and financial loss to drivers.

Cybersecurity experts warn that any system allowing remote access to vehicle controls must have strong authentication and encryption security measures. A vulnerability that allows strangers to connect to batteries could potentially be exploited on a very large scale.

Are electric cars the next?

not necessarily. Most mainstream electric cars sold by major manufacturers use far more sophisticated safety systems.

These typically include encrypted communications, user authentication, secure cloud infrastructure, and proprietary access controls. The BAT BMS controversy primarily concerns low-cost battery systems used in some e-rickshaws and small EVs.

However, cybersecurity experts say the episode serves as a reminder that connected vehicles are increasingly becoming software-driven machines, making digital security as important as mechanical security.

What is the government doing?

According to Firstpost, MeitY has started investigating the issue and is seeking details about the functioning and security architecture of the app.

Authorities are expected to assess whether unauthorized access is possible, whether Indian user data is being stored securely, whether the app complies with Indian cybersecurity requirements, the extent of Chinese involvement in the software ecosystem, and whether regulatory intervention is needed.

The investigation is still in the initial stages and authorities have not yet announced any ban on the app.

Is the app really Chinese?

Several media reports have described BAT BMS as a Chinese-origin application linked to battery-management hardware manufactured in China.

However, the ownership structure, server infrastructure and software supply chain are among the aspects that are reportedly being investigated by the authorities.

The focus of the investigation is not only the origin of the app, but also whether its security architecture adequately protects Indian users.

What should e-rickshaw owners do?

Experts recommend updating battery software wherever possible, changing default passwords, limiting Bluetooth discovery capability when not needed, checking with battery manufacturers for security patches, avoiding unauthorized versions of apps, and reporting suspicious activity to manufacturers and authorities.

Drivers who notice unexplained battery disconnects or unusual app behavior are being advised to contact their battery supplier.

What is clear now is that what started as a series of viral social-media videos has exposed potentially serious vulnerabilities in parts of India’s rapidly growing electric mobility ecosystem.

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