The festival of Makar Sankranti, usually marked by colourful kites and community celebrations across India, turned tragic on Wednesday as at least four people lost their lives in separate incidents linked to nylon kite string, commonly known as ‘Chinese manjha’.
While rooftops and open fields filled with kites celebrating the seasonal transition, the same skies became a source of danger for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, many of whom were caught unaware by loose strands of the sharp string.
Deadly incidents reported across states
In Indore, a 45-year-old man, Raghubir Dhakad, died after a nylon string slit his throat while he was riding a motorcycle. He reportedly suffered severe bleeding and could not be saved.
Also Read | Two dead after eating sweets from unclaimed bag outside government office in Madhya Pradesh
Reportedly, Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district witnessed two fatalities within a short span. A school teacher died after a deep neck injury caused by the kite string. Less than an hour later, another young man riding a bike was killed by a stray strand of manjha.
A similar incident came in from Bidar in Karnataka. Sanjukumar Hosamani, 48, was riding to Humnabad to bring his daughter home from her hostel for the festival when a nylon string cut deep into his neck. Despite trying to seek help, he succumbed to heavy blood loss before medical assistance could arrive.
Why is nylon manjha so dangerous?
Unlike the conventional cotton thread, nylon manjha is treated to enhance its cutting strength for kite-flyers' benefit. Its sharpness cuts skin and muscle tissues, making it perilous to people, animals, and birds. Commonly referred to as ‘Chinese manjha’, the string continues in circulation despite long-standing restrictions.
Also Read | Why did ISRO's first mission of 2026 fail? Chairman answers
Court steps in amid rising deaths
Taking note of repeated accidents, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court earlier this week directed the state government to enforce a complete ban on the sale and use of the string. The court also warned that parents or guardians could be held legally accountable if minors are found using the banned material. Those violating the ban may face action under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence.
In the past year, law enforcement agencies have seized large quantities of the banned substance across several states. Arrests and FIRs have followed in Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab. But the incidents during the current kite-flying season underline that the risk of nylon manjha is far from over.
