Dangerous Carbide Guns Crisis: Over 320 Injured in Madhya Pradesh as Government Launches Urgent Crackdown

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited victims at Hamidia Hospital on Friday evening.

A festive trend has transformed into a catastrophe for hundreds of families across Madhya Pradesh. Injuries from carbide guns, improvised explosive devices marketed as "toys," have now affected over 320 people, with 186 cases documented in Bhopal and surrounding areas, and 35 in Gwalior. Alarmingly, children comprise 80 percent of the injured, with many now facing vision impairment.

Medical professionals at Hamidia and other healthcare facilities report approximately 40 victims have experienced corneal damage, with recovery potentially taking up to six months, if recovery occurs at all.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met with victims at Hamidia Hospital Friday evening, including Prashant Malviya from Nariyalkheda, Karan Panthi from Garib Nagar Chhola, Arish from Bhanpur, and Ansh Prajapati from Parwalia Road. Ansh informed the Chief Minister he was struck by other children using carbide guns, while other victims acknowledged they were injured while operating the devices themselves.

Doctors explain these devices utilize acetylene gas explosions to generate intense sound and pressure waves capable of causing skin burns, eardrum damage, and permanent blindness.

The Chief Minister mandated an immediate statewide enforcement operation, directing that carbide guns be classified as prohibited explosive devices under the Arms Act (1959), Explosives Act (1884), and Explosive Substances Act (1908).

Chief Secretary Anurag Jain issued comprehensive directives to all districts, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of carbide guns effective immediately. The state government has initiated a public awareness campaign targeting parents, schools, and children, emphasizing that carbide guns are dangerous explosive weapons, not toys.

The Cyber Cell has been instructed to monitor e-commerce platforms and social media for listings of carbide guns or components, while police teams conduct raids on toy retailers and street vendors.

Officials have been directed to inspect suspicious establishments, confiscate illegal materials, and maintain photographic and forensic documentation of seized items.

A dedicated helpline and reporting system will be established soon to enable citizens to notify police about suspicious sales or usage.

According to Police Headquarters, carbide guns constitute punishable offenses under the Explosives Act, 1884 (Sections 4(d), 5, 6(a)(i)) and Arms Act, 1959 (Sections 2(b)(iii), 2(c), 9(b)). Offenders face three to seven years imprisonment and financial penalties.

To date, law enforcement has registered six FIRs in Bhopal, eight in Vidisha, and one in Gwalior as part of the statewide campaign against illegal vendors.