Two Cops Sounded Alarm, But MP Failed to Take Action on Carbide Guns

Gwalior and Bhopal, India – In the days leading up to Diwali, two police officers in Gwalior and Bhopal independently raised concerns about the illegal sale of carbide guns, but their warnings seemingly went unheeded. The lack of immediate action has come under scrutiny following a surge in injuries, particularly among children, related to these dangerous devices.

Carbide guns, also known as "desi firecracker guns" or "mini cannons," are crude explosive devices that have become a dangerous trend, particularly among teenagers seeking social media attention. These guns are often promoted on platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts under hashtags like #FirecrackerGunChallenge, with users seemingly unaware of the potential for severe and irreversible harm.

The Times of India reported the initial warnings from the two alert police officers. Despite the FIRs filed by these officers, the state government's response appears to have been inadequate, allowing the continued sale and distribution of these dangerous items.

The consequences have been devastating. Over 122 children have been hospitalized with eye injuries, and tragically, 14 have been permanently blinded in the state of Madhya Pradesh in just three days. The Vidisha district has been particularly hard-hit, with local markets openly selling carbide guns despite a statewide ban issued on October 18th. Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior have been overwhelmed with young victims. Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal alone admitted 26 children within a 72-hour period. Doctors are describing the devices as "improvised explosives" and warning parents of the dangers.

Following the surge in injuries, the Madhya Pradesh government has now banned the sale, purchase, and storage of carbide pipe guns. Police in Bhopal have seized approximately 60 carbide guns and arrested two suspects. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Hamidia Hospital to meet with the injured children and ensure they receive the best possible medical care and has ordered assistance from the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund. The Chief Minister has also stated that raids and investigations are being conducted at the police station level to prevent their use. Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal has appealed to citizens to voluntarily surrender their firearms at the nearest police stations.

The incident raises serious questions about the response mechanisms of the local authorities and the time it took to implement preventative measures. A warning in 2023 and a stretched system are factors behind the carbide gun injuries that rocked Bhopal on Diwali. While the government has now taken action, many are left wondering if the injuries and blindness could have been prevented if the initial warnings from the police officers had been taken more seriously.

The focus now shifts to providing care for the injured and preventing future incidents.