Indore bans sale and use of deadly carbide guns:Over 30 injured during Diwali; crackdown launched on illegal sales and storage

In a decisive move following a spate of eye injuries caused by carbide guns during Diwali, Collector and District Magistrate Shivam Verma has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, display, and use of these hazardous makeshift devices across Indore district. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Act, 2023, will remain effective until December 22, 2025, and violators will face action under Section 223 of the Indian Justice Code, 2023. The Collector said the ban aims to prevent serious injuries and environmental damage caused by these explosive devices, often made using calcium carbide and PVC pipes. Such activities pose grave danger to human life and public health. No individual or trader will be allowed to make or sell carbide guns. Collector Verma said, directing police and executive magistrates to enforce the order strictly. Police crackdown underway Following the collector’s directive, the Indore Police has launched a citywide crackdown.
Commissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh instructed officers to seize existing stock and take legal action against violators under the Explosives Act. Additional DCPs confirmed that market raids are ongoing to ensure no trader sells these dangerous devices again. 30+ eye injuries reported across districts According to Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Hasani, more than 30 eye injury cases linked to carbide guns were reported in Indore and nearby districts during Diwali.
A 9-year-old boy from Dewas, several teenagers from Ujjain, and adults from Badnagar, Sanwer, and Maheshwar were among those injured. Out of the total, 22 patients were treated in private eye hospitals, including Rohit Eye Hospital, Dr. Agrawal Eye Hospital, Retina Eye Hospital, Anandam Netralay, and Sankara Eye Centre, while nine patients were admitted to MY Hospital, Indore. One patient remains under observation at MY Hospital, while others have been discharged after treatment.
Dr. Hasani explained that carbide guns release acetylene gas, which creates a violent burst when ignited. Children often hold the pipe close to their face, leading to severe eye and facial injuries. he said. Statewide action ordered The Madhya Pradesh government has directed all district administrations to strictly enforce the ban and report compliance. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has sought a report on the number of injuries and recovery status of the victims. Dr. Hasani assured that free medical treatment and corneal transplant support would be provided to all affected patients. No case is critical at present, but follow-up treatment is being ensured for each patient. he added.