The world's hottest chilli could soon become part of India's defence armoury with scientists trying to develop teargas canisters and hand grenades by mixing the fiery pepper to control riots and combat separatists, officials Saturday said.

A defence spokesperson said scientists at various Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories were working on a project of developing hand grenades and other repellants to deal with terrorists and rioters by using Bhut Jolokia, recognised by the Guiness World Records as the hottest of all spices.