Indian man dies after eating homemade boar trap disguised as sweet

Key points

• Rajendra Barautiya died on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh, after an explosive detonated in his mouth.
• The device was a crude bomb made from gunpowder and dough, traditionally used by rural communities to kill wild boars, but it resembled a rasgulla, a common Indian sweet.
• Police officer Rekha Singh stated the bomb was offered to Barautiya by a fellow villager, Ramabhagat Barautiya, who claimed it was a sweet.
• Two men have been arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act.
• Investigators have not yet determined the motive, citing uncertainty whether the act was a deliberate killing, a prank, or a mistake.

Background

This incident highlights the dangers of homemade explosives in rural India, where such devices are sometimes used for wildlife control. The similarity between these bombs and traditional sweets like rasgulla has led to accidental injuries and deaths in the past. The archive contains unrelated stories about other incidents involving explosives or deaths, but none provide direct background to this specific case.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and India Today report that the victim was sitting around a bonfire when the sweet was offered, while NDTV states the incident occurred at a house in Padariya village. All sources agree that the device was a crude bomb used to kill wild boars. CBS News and India Today emphasize the shock in the village, whereas NDTV notes that the accused claimed a boy had given him the bomb. Police remain uncertain about the motive, with some outlets suggesting it could have been a prank or mischief, while others focus on the accidental nature of the mistake due to poor lighting.

Why it matters

This case underscores the risks associated with homemade explosives in rural areas, where they are sometimes used for hunting or pest control. The visual similarity between these devices and common foods poses a significant safety hazard, leading to accidental deaths. It also highlights the need for stricter regulation and awareness regarding the use of such explosives in communities.

What to watch

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the incident. The two arrested men are in custody, and authorities are examining whether the act was intentional or a prank. Further legal proceedings are expected as the case progresses.