A 48-year-old man tragically lost his life in Bidar, Karnataka, during Makar Sankranti celebrations when a Chinese manjha string slit his throat while he was riding a motorcycle near Nirana Cross on National Highway 65. The incident, captured in viral videos, showed the victim struggling to contact his family as the nearly invisible string caused the fatal injury.
The victim, identified as Sanjukumar Bombalagi Hosamani from Bombalagi village, was flying kites in the area when the incident occurred. The police reported that the manjha string, unseen by the rider, led to the loss of control over the bike, resulting in the fatal accident. Authorities have cautioned two-wheeler riders to be vigilant during festive occasions, especially in kite-flying areas, emphasizing the serious risks posed by kite strings.
Following the tragic event, a case has been filed at the Manna Ekhelli Police Station, with ongoing investigations. Videos of the victim’s struggle before his demise have circulated widely on social media, sparking concerns among the public. Despite suffering a severe neck injury and significant bleeding, the victim attempted to use his phone and rise to his feet, but bystanders advised him to stay down. Efforts to stop the bleeding were unsuccessful, and the delayed arrival of an ambulance reportedly contributed to the tragic outcome.
In response to the incident, local residents protested against the authorities, demanding strict measures against the use of Chinese manjha, known for causing multiple fatal accidents. Gram panchayat authorities have issued public warnings against the use of nylon kite strings in the region. Kite flying, a cherished tradition during Makara Sankranti in North Karnataka, has faced safety concerns due to the rising use of dangerous nylon or Chinese manjha strings.
