Hyderabad police have intensified their crackdown on banned Chinese Manja, confiscating a significant amount of the prohibited item valued at Rs 1.24 crore and apprehending 143 individuals. This action comes ahead of the Sankranti festival, with authorities ramping up efforts to prevent the sale, storage, and distribution of the banned synthetic/nylon kite string in the city. Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar disclosed that a total of 6,226 bobbins of Chinese Manja, valued at Rs 1,24,52,000, have been seized as part of the ongoing operation, which saw the registration of 103 cases and the arrest of 143 suspects.
Sajjanar emphasized the importance of ensuring safety during the festive season, highlighting the risks posed by Chinese Manja to both humans and wildlife, leading to the government’s decision to enforce a complete ban on the hazardous material. Despite the prohibition, illicit sales continue to persist clandestinely, prompting a stern warning from the Commissioner that stringent legal actions will be taken against any individual involved in the unauthorized sale, storage, or transportation of Chinese Manja. Special surveillance teams have been deployed citywide to enforce the ban, with a particular focus on cracking down on online platforms where some traders have shifted their operations to evade detection.
Expressing concerns over the potential dangers of the metallic coating on Chinese Manja, especially to children, Sajjanar reiterated the zero-tolerance stance against the lethal kite string. He highlighted the severe injuries and fatalities caused by Chinese Manja, underscoring its threat to pedestrians, motorcyclists, birds, and animals. Special police teams have been established to combat the illegal manufacturing, storage, transport, and sale of Chinese Manja, following recent incidents that left several individuals injured, including motorcyclists, a constable, and a student who suffered neck injuries.
