India Plans to use ‘Bhut Jolokia’ as weapon

Assam · June 30, 2009

GUWAHATI – ‘Bhut Jolokia’, the world’s hottest chilli could soon become part of India’s defense armoury with scientists trying to develop teargas canisters and hand grenades by mixing the fiery pepper to control riots and combat separatists, officials Saturday said.

bhut_jolokia A defense spokesperson said scientists at various Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories were working on a project of developing hand grenades and other repellants to deal with terrorists and rioters by using Bhut Jolokia, recognised by the Guiness World Records as the hottest of all spices.

The hotness of the Bhut Jolokia or Naga Jolokia, measured in Scoville heat units was 1,041,427. It’s nearly twice as hot as Mexico’s Red Savina (577,000), 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.

The non-lethal grenades devised by the DRDO could numb the enemy and immobilize them without seriously wounding or klling them. There were also plans to use Bhut Jolokia paste or powder in teargas shells for dispersing violent protests or rioters.

Note that, Bhut Jolokia is found only in Assam and most Assamese people consumes it like a normal food item.

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Category: Assam, News | Tags: Assam, Bhut Jolokia, India, News