New Delhi, 03 July (H.S.): The Central Government has directed the removal of mobile applications allegedly used to remotely disable e-rickshaws from app stores. It has also advised app store operators to exercise greater vigilance to prevent the availability of similar applications in the future.

According to sources, the government has ordered the removal of the BAT-BMS, Losigi and Epoch E-Eon apps, which were allegedly being misused to remotely deactivate battery-powered vehicles. Sources added that other applications found to be involved in similar misuse will also be blocked.

Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed the development while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event.

He said that the government became aware on Thursday of certain applications capable of remotely stopping e-rickshaws, and these apps have since been removed from app stores.

Krishnan further said that app store operators need to exercise greater caution. He added that the government will raise the issue with them in detail to ensure that such harmful applications are not made available on app stores in the future.

The issue gained widespread attention after videos showing moving e-rickshaws being remotely disabled through mobile applications went viral on social media on Thursday. Reports claimed that the apps could interfere with Bluetooth-enabled batteries, allegedly allowing users to stop e-rickshaws remotely.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar