In 2007, Bhut Jokolia was recorded as the hottest chilli in the world. DRDO formulated this non-lethal weapon using an extract from the world-famous ‘Bhut Jolokia’. It can be used for low-intensity conflict areas to handle riot-like situation

Guwahati: Bhut Jolokia has made its way back home to Assam, but in an all-new avatar, as a ‘Chilli Grenade’. The state police are now armed with this non-lethal yet effective weapon to fight against unruly mobs.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) formulated this weapon using Oleo-Resin extracted from Bhut Jolokia and is apt for low-intensity conflict areas as well as to handle riot-like situation.

The chilli, native of Assam in Northeast India, was recorded as the hottest pepper in the world in 2007, scoring a whopping 10,41,427 on the Scoville heat units (SHU), 20 times hotter than cayenne. However, the pepper now ranks 7 with Carolina Reaper topping the heat scale at 22,00,000 SHU, almost double the piquancy of ghost chilli.

The chilli is a delicacy savoured across Northeast India. From pickles, chutneys and as a side dish, the people of NE have braved the chilli. And now that the edible treat has been converted into a weapon, the spice will explode more than just taste buds.