Now, 'Chilli smoke' grenades to dig out terrorists

Next time terrorists plan to take hostages, they may have to think twice as the security personnel could be armed with hand grenades laced with chilli powder drawn straight from hills of Northeast.

Next time terrorists plan to take hostages, they may have to think twice as the security personnel could be armed with hand grenades laced with chilli powder drawn straight from hills of Northeast.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed this "chilli smoke" grenades which may become useful for bringing out the holed up terrorists.

The grenade, yet to be put to use, has been christened as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) in which the DRDO has used extract of dried capsicums and a complex mixture of essential oils, waxes, coloured materials, and several 'capsaicinoids' which give burning sensation in the eyes.

"The chemical grenade like the tear gas will only irritate eyes, respiratory tracts and skin.

"OC, is an inflammatory agent and causes an almost immediate swelling of the eyes and breathing passages," W Selvamurty chief controller, Life Sciences and Human Resources, DRDO, told PTI.

"There is an intense burning sensation in the eyes, throat and the skin happens when the agent is inhaled. The respiratory tract is inflamed and breathing is restricted, being limited to short and shallow breaths," he said.

Psychological effects such as disorientation and fear may also occur, Selvamurty said.