Indore Bans Carbide Guns After Diwali Injuries Surge

Indore district authorities have imposed a ban on the production and sale of carbide guns after the festival of Diwali resulted in numerous injuries, including 31 cases of critical eye damage, officials reported.

The decision follows similar bans already in effect in Bhopal and Gwalior, targeting these homemade contraptions built using gas lighters, PVC pipes, and calcium carbide. These components create acetylene gas, which explodes upon sparking, and the resulting plastic debris causes severe injuries.

The District Magistrate's order highlights the negative impact of carbide guns on public health and mandates strict penalties for violators, including up to one year of imprisonment or a Rs 5000 fine. The health department noted a surge in cases, predominantly affecting children aged 3-31 from Indore and surrounding districts.