Bhopal Collector, Shri Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, Meet with Victims Who Sustained Serious Injuries, Primarily Eye Burns.

Bhopal Collector, Shri Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, visited Hamidia Hospital to meet with over 60 people, mostly children, who were injured by “dangerous” calcium carbide guns during Diwali celebrations. Many victims suffered severe eye injuries, with some facing permanent vision loss.
The Collector, along with other officials, is taking action against the manufacture and sale of these illegal, homemade devices. Authorities have seized many of the makeshift guns (made from PVC pipe, calcium carbide, water, and a lighter) and have detained a dozen people involved in their sale.
A separate, fatal fire incident at the Kamla Nehru Children’s Hospital (part of the Hamidia Hospital complex) occurred in November 2021, which resulted in the deaths of several infants and led to the removal and suspension of several hospital officials for negligence regarding fire safety standards. The current situation, however, pertains to the carbide gun injuries.

Bhopal Collector Shri Kaushlendra Vikram Singh already had issued prohibitory orders and a formal government ban on the sale and manufacture of carbide guns (also called “carbide pipe guns” or “mini cannons”) in the district.