Uttar Pradesh firm develops non-lethal weapons apt for use in Galwan-like clash

LUCKNOW: A Noida-based firm has developed non-lethal weapons for security forces inspired from traditional Indian weapons used in man-to-man combat.

According to the chief technology officer (CTO) of Apastron, Mohit Kumar, the need for such weapons was felt after Chinese soldiers used wired sticks and tasers against soldiers during the Galwan clash.

Kumar told TOI that the need for non-lethal weapons for the Indian Army arose after 20 jawans were martyred in June 2020 in an attack by the People’s Liberation Army of China at LAC’s Galwan Valley.

“We have collaborated with the College of Military Engineering to manufacture non-lethal weapons. Such weapons manufactured include ‘Vajra’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Sapper Punch’ ‘Dand V1’ and ‘Dand V2’,” he said.

A consignment has been delivered to the army, and other units like Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are mulling to buy such weapons.

“We are also about to get orders from units in eastern command,” said Kumar.

Explaining the utility of non-lethal weapons, Kumar said that ‘Vajra’, is a metal taser with spikes used for both tasing and hand-to-hand combat. It can also puncture bullet-proof vehicles.

‘Trishul’ can be used for tasing as well as blocking vehicles.

Another tasing equipment called ‘Sapper Punch’, is to be worn like protective gloves and can be used to give a blow with current.

‘Dand V1’ and ‘Dand V2’ are types of ‘lathis’ which can be used as taser equipment and are vital in law and order situations. They are made of polycarbonate material. Similarly, light weight ‘Bhadra’ is a shield used as protective gear.

“None of these non-lethal weapons will cause death or serious injury,” said Kumar.

The private company is owned by Abhishek Singh and also deals in manufacturing of light-weight bullet-proof jackets.

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