Overview
- State orders prohibit manufacture, sale, purchase, storage and use of the devices, with district magistrates invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to enforce immediate seizures.
- Hospitals reported about 300 eye injuries, mostly among children and teenagers, with dozens needing surgery and some cases referred to AIIMS Bhopal and AIIMS Delhi.
- Police have filed FIRs and made arrests, with MP Police Headquarters citing cases in Bhopal, Vidisha and Gwalior; Bhopal alone confiscated more than 200 plastic guns and over 100 packets of calcium carbide.
- Authorities directed cyber and district teams to inspect retailers and flag e‑commerce and social media listings, even as reports showed continued online sales marketed as ‘monkey repeller’ or ‘bird scarer’ devices.
- A 2023 ICMR‑linked study had warned of severe ocular harm from carbide guns and urged curbs and awareness, and officials now acknowledge limited early enforcement and public education.