Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, taking seriously the accidents caused by carbide guns, set the top priority for the treatment of the injured and directed for a complete ban on its manufacture and use in the state. Strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.
Taking the recent accidents involving carbide guns very seriously, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that there should be no let up in the treatment of any injured child or citizen. He has instructed all the district officers and the health department to provide operations, eye care and all treatment services to the injured on top priority.
He said that if needed, financial support will be provided through Chief Minister’s voluntary grant and air ambulance service will also be made available for serious patients. The Chief Minister also said that the condition of all the injured should be continuously monitored and if needed, a team of specialist doctors should be deployed immediately.
Complete ban and zero tolerance policy on carbide guns.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that carbide gun is a deadly explosive device which has become a threat to the safety of the people. He directed to immediately ban its manufacture, sale and use in the state and take strict action with zero tolerance.
He said that in Bhopal and other districts, children have suffered serious injuries to eyes, face and hands due to carbide guns, which is extremely worrying. The state government will take all possible stringent steps to protect the life and health of the citizens.
Chief Secretary’s review meeting and legal instructions
Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain held a high level meeting in the Ministry. He said that carbide gun is a banned category device and action against it will be taken under the Arms Act 1959, Explosives Act 1884 and Explosive Substances Act 1908.
The Chief Secretary said that this equipment produces loud noise and pressure wave due to the explosion of acetylene gas, which can cause serious injuries, burns and even permanent eye damage.
Order to districts: Immediate stop on manufacturing, sale and use
Chief Secretary Jain directed that an immediate ban should be imposed on the manufacture, sale, ownership and use of carbide guns by passing orders under Section 163 of BNSS in every district. Any person found manufacturing or selling these should register an FIR and take strict punitive action. Also, instructions were given to the cyber branch to monitor and take action to stop the sale of carbide guns or its components on e-commerce websites and social media platforms. An awareness campaign will be conducted among citizens, parents and schools to tell people that this is not a “toy” but an “explosive device”.
Arrangements for investigation, seizure and forensic investigation
Field officers in all districts will check suspicious shops, vendors and online platforms. Illegal listings will be removed and the seized items will be subjected to forensic testing. Legal disposal of seized items will be ensured through coordination with Chain of Custody and PESO. Training of police personnel, awareness sessions in schools and panchayats, citizen awareness campaign and helpline system will also be started so that people can report suspicious activities. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Baranwal, Principal Secretary Health Sandeep Yadav and senior officers of the police department were present in the meeting.
Police Headquarters issued circular: Legal provisions clear
The circular issued by the Police Headquarters has clarified the scientific nature, legal status and penal provisions of the carbide gun. It was told that carbide gun is a punishable offense under Section 4(d), 5, 6(a)(i) of the Explosives Act 1884 and Section 2(b)(iii), 2(c), 9(b) of the Arms Act 1959. In case of unlicensed manufacturing, selling or ownership, there is a provision of imprisonment of three to seven years and fine. So far, 6 FIRs have been registered in Bhopal, 8 in Vidisha and 1 in Gwalior.
Most of the patients recovered and returned home
According to the Health Department report, most of the people injured by firecrackers and carbide guns during Diwali have now recovered and been discharged. There are only two patients who have serious eye injuries and their treatment is ongoing. All districts have been instructed to continuously monitor serious cases and refer patients to higher medical institutions if necessary.