 Bhut Jolokia |
Scientists are trying to develop teargas canisters and hand grenades by mixing the fiery pepper to control riots and combat separatists.
A defence spokesperson said that the scientists at various Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratories were working on the project of developing hand grenades and other repellents to deal with terrorists and rioters by using Bhut Jolokia, which has been recognised by the Guiness World Records as the hottest of all the spices.
"We had already carried out trials for the hand grenades mixed with the world's hottest chilli and so far the tests are quite positive and satisfactory," RB Srivastava, a senior scientist and director of the DRDO's Life Sciences department, told reporters.
Bhut Jolokia belongs to the Capsicum Chinese family and is a native to Assam.
The hotness of the Bhut Jolokia, measured in Scoville heat units was 1,001,304. It's nearly twice as hot as Mexico's Red Savina, the variety it replaced as the hottest. By comparison, a New Mexico green chilli contains about 1,500 Scoville units, while an average Jalapeno measures at about 10, 000.
Bhut Jolokia belongs to the Capsicum Chinese family and is a native to Assam.
The hotness of the Bhut Jolokia, measured in Scoville heat units was 1,001,304. It's nearly twice as hot as Mexico's Red Savina, the variety it replaced as the hottest. By comparison, a New Mexico green chilli contains about 1,500 Scoville units, while an average Jalapeno measures at about 10, 000.
"Work is on at different DRDO laboratories to develop other such things using Bhut Jolokia for effective utilisation by security forces in dealing with riots and tackling insurgency and terrorists”, said Srivastava.
The non-lethal grenades devised by the DRDO could numb the enemy and immobilize them so that they will not be wounded or killed.
There were also plans to use Bhut Jolokia paste or powder in teargas shells for dispersing the violent protests.
"We are also trying for a scientific validation to find out if Bhut Jolokia could be incorporated into the food menu for soldiers in higher reaches to keep them warm," Srivastava said.
And the chilli powder would also be rubbed on the fences around army barracks in the hope the strong smell would keep animals out of bounds.
A kilogram of Bhut Jolokia sells at about Rs. 250.
A kilogram of Bhut Jolokia sells at about Rs. 250.
