The national capital has witnessed multiple stabbing incidents over the past year, with button knives ordered online emerging as a commonly used weapon in many cases. Despite strict legal restrictions, these knives are easily available on major e-commerce platforms, often costing as little as ₹87 and delivered to doorsteps within days, TOI's Devanshi Mehta reported.
Under the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 1962, possession and sale of button-actuated knives are tightly regulated through official notifications. A key 1980 notification brings sharp-edged weapons under legal scrutiny based on size specifications, prohibiting knives with blade lengths exceeding 7.62 cm and widths over 1.72 cm, particularly those with spring-operated mechanisms.
However, investigations show that a simple online search for “push button knife” returns over 600 listings across platforms, with prices ranging between ₹87 and ₹3,000. Sellers reportedly use alternate descriptions such as “spring-assisted tactical folding knife”, “multi-tool” or “customised pocket knife” to bypass automated content filters.
In February, the West district police registered an FIR under the Arms Act after a quick commerce platform was found facilitating the sale of such blades. Investigations also linked online purchases of similar weapons to two murder cases, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy.
A senior police officer talking to TOI said even after specific listings are removed following official notices, new ones reappear within hours under different keywords.
Officers said they are contacting individuals who purchased such items to verify intent, noting that many claim the purchases were made for non-criminal use. Police also said surveillance of social media activity shows that such weapons are often delivered within two days of online orders.
Authorities warned that as long as such knives are marketed as harmless utility products online, enforcement efforts will continue to lag behind the ease of access offered through digital marketplaces.
Under the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 1962, possession and sale of button-actuated knives are tightly regulated through official notifications. A key 1980 notification brings sharp-edged weapons under legal scrutiny based on size specifications, prohibiting knives with blade lengths exceeding 7.62 cm and widths over 1.72 cm, particularly those with spring-operated mechanisms.
However, investigations show that a simple online search for “push button knife” returns over 600 listings across platforms, with prices ranging between ₹87 and ₹3,000. Sellers reportedly use alternate descriptions such as “spring-assisted tactical folding knife”, “multi-tool” or “customised pocket knife” to bypass automated content filters.
Police flag misuse, link weapons to serious crimes
A police officer told TOI that the marketing of such products as safe or utility tools is misleading, adding that the folding mechanism is often used as a justification. Officials said these knives are preferred in criminal activities due to their concealability and instant activation mechanism.In February, the West district police registered an FIR under the Arms Act after a quick commerce platform was found facilitating the sale of such blades. Investigations also linked online purchases of similar weapons to two murder cases, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy.
E-commerce platforms deny responsibility
While some instant delivery platforms have removed such items after police action, officials said the products continue to be available on other major marketplaces. Authorities added that companies often claim intermediary protection under current laws, shifting responsibility to third-party sellers.A senior police officer talking to TOI said even after specific listings are removed following official notices, new ones reappear within hours under different keywords.
Delhi Police intensifies crackdown and monitoring
Delhi Police has initiated a crackdown and held meetings with e-commerce platforms’ nodal officers to ensure removal of listings for flick knives and daggers. The crime branch is also compiling data on product IDs and buyers, which is being shared with district officials for follow-up action.Officers said they are contacting individuals who purchased such items to verify intent, noting that many claim the purchases were made for non-criminal use. Police also said surveillance of social media activity shows that such weapons are often delivered within two days of online orders.
Authorities warned that as long as such knives are marketed as harmless utility products online, enforcement efforts will continue to lag behind the ease of access offered through digital marketplaces.
