The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Google Play Store and Apple App Store to remove the Chinese BAT-BMS mobile application after concerns emerged over its potential misuse to remotely disrupt the operation of e-rickshaws, sources said on Friday.  The decision comes after a series of videos circulated on social media allegedly showed individuals using the BAT-BMS app to connect to nearby e-rickshaws via Bluetooth and remotely switch off their battery systems while the vehicles were in motion. The incidents have raised concerns over passenger safety as well as the security of battery management systems (BMS) used in low-cost electric vehicles. The ministry took cognisance of the matter after the videos went viral and has initiated action to restrict public access to the application, according to them. Moreover, the government is examining the broader cybersecurity implications of such vulnerabilities and is assessing further safeguards for connected battery systems used in electric vehicles. The BAT-BMS app — developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology — designed as a companion application for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries. It …