Ahead of Diwali and the upcoming festive season, Bhopal Police have imposed a complete ban on dangerous carbide guns, carbide cannons, carbide lamps and other blast-producing devices. Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar issued a prohibitory order under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order will remain in force for the next two months. Violation of the order will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the order, the illegal manufacture, assembly, modification, repair, purchase, sale, display for sale, distribution, storage, supply and commercial availability of such devices is prohibited. Police said such improvised explosive devices, often made by filling iron, steel and PVC pipes with calcium carbide and water to generate highly flammable acetylene gas, pose a grave threat to public safety.

 

The gas produces a loud explosion on ignition and can cause blasts, fires, severe eye injuries and damage to public and private property. Its use in crowded markets, residential colonies, narrow lanes and areas with children is especially hazardous. The move comes after a grim Diwali in 2025, when around 300 people across Madhya Pradesh, mostly children aged 8 to 14, suffered eye injuries, burns and vision loss due to carbide guns. Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital alone reported dozens of cases. Taking cognisance, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has now directed all collectors and police chiefs to ensure a total ban on carbide guns and lamps State-wide. In a virtual review meeting last week, he warned that officials will be held accountable for any lapse. The State Government has also ordered that ambulances be stationed at key locations on Diwali night, hospitals kept on alert, and fire tenders deployed at sensitive spots. Police have appealed to citizens and traders to comply with the ban and report any suspicious manufacturing or sale to the local police.