A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajendra Barotiya, died after a country-made explosive allegedly handed to him as a rasgulla exploded in his mouth in Madhya Pradesh’s Dindori district on November 10. The incident took place around 8 pm in Padariya Chhanta village, where Rajendra was sitting with his family near a bonfire after dinner when a fellow villager, identified as Ramabhagat Barotiya, allegedly offered him the object, claiming it was a sweet.
Unaware of its contents, Rajendra reportedly bit into it, triggering an explosion that left him with severe injuries to his mouth and jaw. He was rushed to Dindori District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police have arrested the main accused, while another person, reportedly a boy, was also taken into custody in connection with the case. Investigators are examining the source of the explosive and the possible motive behind the incident.
Bomb Disguised As Sweet
Acording to The Indian Express, Rajendra was sitting in the courtyard of his house with his family, warming themselves around a fire, when Ramabhagat, who reportedly lived in the same neighbourhood, arrived and joined them. During their conversation, Ramabhagat allegedly handed Rajendra an object, telling him it was a rasgulla. Police said the object contained a crude explosive device commonly referred to as a ‘pig-killer bomb’, reportedly used to kill wild boars.
When Rajendra bit into it, the explosive detonated, causing serious injuries. His family members immediately rushed him to Dindori District Hospital in an autorickshaw, where he later died during treatment. His wife, Sushila Bai, reportedly said that the explosive was used to kill animals. Recalling the incident, she said, “When we heard the blast, we urged our neighbours to help and brought him to the hospital in an autorickshaw.” The incident has left the family and residents of the village shocked, particularly because the explosion occurred during an ordinary evening gathering at the victim’s home.
Accused Arrested, Probe
Dindori Kotwali police station Inspector Durga Prasad Nagpure confirmed that the main accused, Ramabhagat Barotiya, had been arrested in connection with the incident. Speaking to The Indian Express, Nagpure said Rajendra and his family were sitting in the courtyard when Ramabhagat arrived and handed him the explosive, claiming it was a rasgulla. The officer described the device as a pig-killer bomb and confirmed that it exploded as soon as Rajendra bit into it.
During questioning, Ramabhagat allegedly told police that another person, reportedly a boy, had given him the explosive. Police subsequently took the second individual into custody for questioning. While some reports have described both individuals as arrested, others have reported that the second person was detained. Police have registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Investigators are examining how the explosive was procured, the circumstances in which it was handed to Rajendra and whether personal enmity played a role. The investigation is ongoing, and further details about the alleged motive are awaited.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The death of Rajendra Barotiya is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of the unsafe use and circulation of crude explosives. While the police investigation must establish the exact circumstances and hold those responsible accountable through due process, the incident also raises serious questions about the accessibility of dangerous explosive devices and their use for hunting animals.
Such devices pose risks not only to wildlife but also to people, including those who may have no knowledge of their presence. Preventing similar incidents requires effective enforcement against the misuse of explosives, greater awareness about their dangers and accountability at every level of their supply and use. At the same time, the investigation must remain fair and evidence-based, allowing the facts to emerge. How can authorities and local communities work together to prevent the misuse of dangerous explosives and ensure that innocent lives are not put at risk?
Also Read: NVIDIA After Huang: Trump Backs Tim Cook, But Who Should Hold Tech Giants Accountable?
