Indian man dies after biting explosive disguised as traditional sweet
A 35-year-old man in India's Madhya Pradesh state has died after biting into a homemade explosive device allegedly given to him by a neighbour who presented it as a traditional Indian sweet.
The victim, identified as Rajendra Barautiya, suffered severe injuries to his mouth and jaw when the device exploded in Padariya Chhanta village in Dindori district on November 10, 2026.
According to The Indian Express, Barautiya was sitting around a bonfire with his family after dinner when his neighbour, identified as Ramabhagat Barautiya, joined him.
During their conversation, the neighbour allegedly offered him what he described as a rasgulla, a popular Indian dessert made from soft, round cheese dumplings soaked in sugar syrup.
Police said the object was instead a homemade explosive commonly known as a "pig bomb," which is used in some rural communities to kill wild boars.
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The device exploded when Barautiya bit into it, causing serious injuries. His family rushed him to hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.
According to police, such explosives are made by concealing gunpowder inside balls of dough, sometimes using explosive materials obtained from firecrackers or quarries.
The devices are designed to detonate when an animal bites into them or applies pressure. Their round appearance can resemble traditional Indian sweets such as rasgulla.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether the explosive was deliberately given to the victim.
"We don't know if the motive was to kill, or if it was a mischief," police officer Rekha Singh told Agence France-Presse.
"That is a matter of investigation."
Investigators are also working to establish how the explosive was obtained and whether other individuals were involved.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
