Dindori, Madhya Pradesh: In a shocking incident from Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district, a 35-year-old man died after a crude explosive device allegedly disguised as a rasgulla detonated inside his mouth, police said on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Rajendra Barautiya, who was reportedly sitting around a bonfire with fellow villagers on Tuesday when he was handed the explosive device, allegedly described as a rasgulla. The device exploded as he bit into it, causing severe injuries.

Crude Hunting Bomb Disguised as Sweet

According to police, such crude explosive devices are reportedly used by some rural and tribal communities to hunt wild boars.

The devices are made by stuffing dough balls with gunpowder, sometimes sourced from firecrackers or quarry explosives. They are reportedly designed to explode when bitten by animals and can resemble rasgullas, the popular Indian sweet made of soft balls soaked in sugar syrup.

Police officer Rekha Singh told AFP that the explosive device was allegedly offered to Barautiya during the gathering and detonated in his mouth.

Man Succumbs to Injuries

Following the explosion, Barautiya sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the villager who allegedly handed him the explosive device was identified as Ramabhagat Barautiya.

Two Arrested, Police Probe Motive

Police have arrested two men in connection with the incident and charged them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Investigators are examining whether the incident was deliberate or resulted from mischief.

"We don't know if the motive was to kill, or if it was a mischief. That is a matter of investigation," Rekha Singh told AFP.

The incident has triggered shock and fear in the village, with residents struggling to comprehend how an ordinary bonfire gathering turned into a fatal tragedy.

The investigation is underway.