The growing wave of stabbing incidents in Delhi has exposed the easy online availability of illegal push-button knives, with some being sold for as little as Rs 87 and delivered within days despite strict legal restrictions, reported the Times of India.
Investigations have found that major e-commerce platforms continue to host hundreds of listings for spring-operated knives, often disguised under labels such as “spring-assisted tactical folding knife”, “multi-tool” or “customised pocket knife” to evade automated filters.
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Under the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 1962, possession and sale of button-actuated knives are tightly regulated. A 1980 notification prohibits spring-operated knives with blades exceeding prescribed dimensions.
Yet, a simple online search for "push-button knives" reportedly reveals over 600 listings priced between Rs 87 and Rs 3,000.
Police officials say these knives are increasingly being used in violent crimes because they are easy to conceal and can be deployed instantly.
“The marketing of such products as safe or utility tools is misleading,” a police officer told TOI, adding that sellers often use the folding mechanism as a loophole to justify sales.
In February, West district police registered an FIR under the Arms Act after a quick-commerce platform was allegedly found facilitating the sale of such weapons.
Investigators have also linked online purchases of similar knives to two murder cases, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy.
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Delhi Police has intensified its crackdown, directing e-commerce platforms to remove listings and tracking buyers and sellers linked to these weapons.
Officials warned that fresh listings continue to reappear under new keywords, complicating enforcement efforts.
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