CM and Chief Secretary ban carbide guns:Bhopal Collector vows to stop online sales; Bhaskar booked dangerous ‘eye-snatching’ carbide gun for verification

Despite the dangerous consequences, carbide guns are still being sold openly on e-commerce platforms. Hundreds of people in Madhya Pradesh have suffered eye injuries due to these homemade devices, with 300 cases reported so far. In Bhopal alone, 185 patients have been admitted for treatment. The procedure to make a carbide gun is widely available online. A simple YouTube search reveals numerous videos explaining how to make and use the gun. E-commerce sites are also selling it under misleading names such as “PVC Monkey Repeller Gun” for scaring away monkeys.
CM and Chief Secretary take action On Friday night, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav met patients injured by carbide guns and directed a complete ban on the manufacture and sale of carbide pipe guns. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain also instructed district collectors to enforce the ban. The ban has already been implemented in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and four other districts. Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh confirmed, We will ensure the sale of carbide guns on e-commerce platforms is stopped. Letters are being sent to vendors, and strict action will follow if sales continue.
E-Commerce reality check by Dainik Bhaskar Dainik Bhaskar conducted a reality check by attempting to book a carbide pipe gun from an e-commerce site. These guns are marketed as “PVC Monkey Repeller Guns” and are priced up to Rs 2,500. Delivery is often promised within 5-7 days. Collector Singh emphasized that online sales are being monitored and action will be taken against platforms allowing the sale. Bhopal administration steps up The Bhopal administration is also keeping a close watch on patients admitted in hospitals. Singh added, “If an air ambulance is required, it will be made available. Currently, patients are being treated at several hospitals, including Hamidia. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and I have personally met the patients. The district administration has also provided financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per seriously injured patient through the Red Cross.” The Collector noted that such incidents did not occur during the previous Diwali. “This year, the cases surfaced because the guns were being sold in the open market and not through licensed vendors,” he said.
Strict action against sale Collector Singh warned, “If carbide guns are found being sold or in possession, FIRs will be registered under the Explosives Act, and strict legal action will be taken.” These carbide pipe guns are sold in local markets for as low as ₹100–200, making them widely accessible. Ophthalmology expert Dr. S.S. Kubre explained, “Calcium carbide inside the gun reacts with water to produce acetylene gas. The explosion and flames can burn the eyes, skin, and face within seconds.” Thousands of videos online Following the Collector’s statement, Dainik Bhaskar conducted a search on Google and YouTube using the query “How to make a carbide gun?” Thousands of videos appeared, showing how to manufacture, operate, and sell these guns. Bhopal authorities are now planning to issue notices through the police to have these online videos removed and prevent further risk to the public. “This step will help raise awareness and reduce accidents,” the Collector said. ICMR had issued warnings 2 years ago The danger of carbide guns was highlighted in 2023 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Bhopal. The device, originally popularized as a local method for scaring monkeys, was found to be extremely hazardous. ICMR researchers stated in their study published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology that the acetylene gas produced from calcium carbide and water not only explodes but can also permanently damage eyesight. Despite this warning, no effective preventive measures were taken at the time. Online platforms under scrutiny E-commerce giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay are being closely monitored for continuing sales of these guns. Authorities claim that if platforms fail to halt sales, strict legal action will follow. “Vendors will be warned, and if guns are found being sold again, action will be taken against the sellers,” the Collector confirmed.