Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Manja During Sankranti
As the Sankranti festival fills the skies of Hyderabad with colorful kites, the city police have taken strict measures to curb the illegal sale and use of banned Chinese manja. The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force has arrested 148 individuals and confiscated Chinese manja worth Rs 88 lakh.
While kite flying is a beloved tradition during Sankranti, the use of dangerous kite strings poses a serious threat to public safety, wildlife, and the environment. The sharp synthetic strings, coated with materials like powdered glass or metal, have led to numerous injuries and accidents in the past. Concerned about these risks, the police have intensified their efforts to prevent the circulation of these banned strings.
According to officials, Chinese manja is not only hazardous to humans but also endangers birds, animals, and the environment. Despite being prohibited in many regions, its illegal sale continues to surface during festivals. In previous instances, the use of these strings has even resulted in fatalities, underscoring the urgency of the crackdown.
YVS Sudeendra, DCP Task Force, highlighted the proactive steps taken by the police. “Considering past incidents, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand, IPS, instructed Task Force Teams and Law and Order officers to act in advance. Seven Task Force Teams, along with local police station officers, conducted raids and registered 107 cases. They apprehended 148 individuals involved in the illegal trade and seized 7,334 Chinese manja bobbins worth approximately Rs 90 lakh,” he said.
The raids have significantly reduced the availability of Chinese manja, with reports suggesting that it is now almost nonexistent in the market. This has also resulted in a safer festival season, with no harmful incidents reported involving humans or animals. Local traders selling traditional thread manja are benefiting from the situation, witnessing a surge in sales and profits as kite enthusiasts opt for safer alternatives.
This decisive action by the Hyderabad police ensures that the festive spirit of Sankranti remains joyful while prioritizing public safety and the protection of wildlife.
