Gwalior Raid Seizes 57 Carbide Guns Ahead of Diwali, Shopkeeper Detained

A joint team of the district administration and police raided Maa Pitambara Steel Traders at Sirole Chauraha in Gwalior and seized 57 carbide guns along with material related to potash. The action was carried out by SDM Atul Singh and SSP Dharmveer Singh, who were present at the spot during the raid.

The raid comes ahead of Diwali, as the Gwalior administration and police have intensified action against the manufacture and sale of carbide guns following directions from Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The authorities said the operation was part of the campaign to stop the production, purchase and sale of such equipment.

Shopkeeper Raman Ojha was detained during the action. Police are questioning him. According to preliminary information, carbide guns were being prepared at the shop against orders received for Diwali. The matter falls under the Sirole police station area.

The joint action by administrative and police officials created a stir in the area. The team inspected the premises and seized the carbide guns and related material. The action was carried out under the leadership of SDM Atul Singh, while SSP Dharmveer Singh was also present at the location.

The administration has increased monitoring of the manufacture, purchase and sale of carbide guns after the Chief Minister’s directions. Officials said the objective is to prevent accidents caused by the use of dangerous guns during Diwali.

Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan has imposed a ban under Section 163 on the manufacture, purchase and sale of carbide guns. After the order, teams of the district administration and police have been conducting surprise inspections at hardware, welding, steel and iron-related establishments, as well as wholesale firecracker shops.

The administration is keeping watch on suspicious activities. Action is being taken wherever violations of the rules are found.

Information had emerged that in 2025, more than 300 people were injured in different cities of Madhya Pradesh due to the use of carbide guns. In Gwalior, 19 such cases were registered. In these cases, the corneas of 18 people were said to have been injured.

A carbide gun produces acetylene gas through a reaction between calcium carbide and water. When the gas is ignited, it causes a powerful blast. Such a blast can seriously injure the eyes and other parts of the body.

The seized material is being examined, and the role of the shopkeeper is also being investigated. Police said further action would be based on the facts and evidence that emerge during the investigation.

The joint raid took place ahead of Diwali in the presence of SDM Atul Singh and SSP Dharmveer Singh. The action is being considered an important part of the ongoing campaign against carbide guns in Gwalior.