Bhopal authorities have stepped up enforcement against carbide guns ahead of Diwali after a ground check at Bairagarh — one of the city’s largest firecracker hubs — found no such devices on sale, but an online listing showed a device resembling the banned instrument.
Market check, online loophole
A field visit to Bairagarh on Thursday found no carbide guns available at shops, with local retailers saying vendors and customers are aware of the hazards associated with the devices. A retailer, identified in reports as Suresh Meghwani, said such guns were not being sold in the market.
However, investigators noted an online listing for a product that visually resembles a carbide gun. The item was advertised under the pest-control category rather than as a firework, raising the prospect that similar-looking devices could be offered through e-commerce channels despite the ban.
Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said Bhopal police would crack down on the illegal sale and storage of carbide guns in compliance with the chief minister’s directives.
Government directive and public-safety context
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday ordered a strict clampdown on carbide guns, issuing a directive to district collectors and police chiefs to ensure the devices are not used. The chief minister warned that officials would be held responsible for any untoward incident in their districts.
The heightened attention follows hundreds of eye injuries reported during last year’s Diwali, when carbide guns were linked to serious ocular trauma and facial burns. Carbide guns operate by generating acetylene gas when calcium carbide comes into contact with water; ignition of that gas produces a loud explosion and sudden pressure changes that can cause severe injury.
Enforcement, online sales and evidence
After last Diwali’s incidents, the district administration had banned the online sale of carbide guns and many major e-commerce platforms removed listings. Yet the recent online posting indicates a potential avenue for the banned devices to reach buyers by being listed under unrelated product categories.
Officials said the exact mechanics and authenticity of the device shown in the online listing could not be independently verified. Still, the listing demonstrates why authorities must monitor not only physical markets but also internet-based commerce ahead of festival season.
- Market status: No carbide guns found for sale at Bairagarh during a ground check.
- Online risk: A product resembling a carbide gun was listed under ‘pest-control’ on an e-commerce site.
- Administrative action: Chief Minister ordered district collectors and police chiefs to prevent use of carbide guns; local police pledged enforcement.
| Issue | Reported action |
|---|---|
| Physical sale at Bairagarh | No carbide guns observed by ground check |
| Online listings | Device resembling carbide gun listed under pest-control |
| Official directive | Chief Minister ordered strict crackdown; police to enforce |
Consequences for Bhopal residents
The continued presence of lookalike devices on e-commerce platforms, even if mislabelled, represents a public-safety concern for the city at a time when authorities are urging vigilance. Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said Bhopal police would pursue illegal sale and storage in line with the chief minister’s instructions.
Local authorities face the dual task of policing physical markets and coordinating with online platforms to ensure banned items are not circumventing restrictions by appearing under alternate categories. Residents are being reminded of the risks associated with carbide guns, including severe eye injuries and burns, and of the legal prohibitions in force.
Monitoring and enforcement will be critical in the coming days as festivities near, with officials expected to act on any evidence of illegal manufacture, sale or use.
