MP govt bans sale of 'carbide guns' after 300 suffer injuries, 10 lose eyesight during Diwali

After at least 300 people suffered eye injuries by carbide guns during Diwali celebrations, the Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a ban on the sale, purchase, and storage of the pipe gun firecrackers.

The ban comes in the wake of a surge in hospital cases linked to these makeshift toy guns, which create small explosions using calcium carbide and water to mimic the sound of firecrackers.

While nearly 300 have suffered injuries, 10 people have lost their eyesight in the past week.

Officials confirmed that First Information Reports (FIRs) will be filed against anyone found violating the order. The devices, made of PVC pipes and commonly sold as children’s toys during the festive season, have been deemed extremely unsafe due to their explosive chemical reactions, according to a News18 report.

What are carbide guns?

Carbide guns, marketed online as "PVC monkey repeller gun" emerged as alternatives to traditional fireworks. The devices, priced between Rs 150 to Rs 200 were marketed as entertainment items in the open market.

These makeshift toy guns create small explosions using calcium carbide and water to mimic the sound of firecrackers.