Bidar, Karnataka: The menace of deadly kite strings has struck again, this time in Karnataka, claiming the life of a 48-year-old motorcyclist in Bidar district and sparking renewed outrage over the continued use of nylon kite strings, commonly known as Chinese manjha. The tragic incident has reignited concerns about public safety, enforcement failures and emergency response delays.
The deceased has been identified as Sanjukumar Hosamani (48). He was travelling on his motorcycle near the Talamadagi Bridge in Bidar district when a taut kite string stretched across the road suddenly slashed his neck, causing severe bleeding and critical injuries.
A fatal ride near Talamadagi Bridge
According to police and local residents, the incident occurred when Hosamani was riding through the area, unaware of the nearly invisible kite string hanging across the roadway. The sharp nylon thread cut deep into his neck, leading to profuse bleeding. Witnesses said Hosamani lost control of his motorcycle and collapsed on the road.
In a chilling detail that has deeply disturbed many, Hosamani, despite being critically injured and soaked in blood, reportedly managed to dial his daughter’s number on his mobile phone. A video circulating locally shows him struggling to make the call, underscoring the desperate moments before he lost consciousness.
Desperate attempts to save his life
A passerby who noticed Hosamani lying injured rushed to help and attempted to stop the bleeding by pressing a cloth against the wound. Local residents said an ambulance was called immediately. However, they allege that the emergency vehicle arrived after a considerable delay.
By the time medical help reached the spot, Hosamani had succumbed to his injuries. His death has triggered anger and grief among family members and villagers, many of whom believe that timely medical assistance could have saved his life.
Family alleges delay in ambulance response
Hosamani’s relatives have squarely blamed the delay in the arrival of the ambulance for his death. They alleged that despite repeated calls, emergency services failed to reach the accident site in time.
“If the ambulance had come on time, he might have survived,” a family member said, expressing anguish. Relatives and local residents staged a protest at the accident spot, demanding strict action against those using nylon kite strings and immediate improvement in emergency medical services in rural areas.
Police register case, probe underway
Following the incident, a case has been registered at Manna Ekhelli Police Station. Police officials said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances under which the kite string was strung across the road and to identify those responsible.
Authorities have also said they will examine whether any negligence contributed to the delay in emergency response. Police have urged the public to cooperate with the investigation and to report the sale or use of banned kite strings.
A recurring and deadly menace
Flying kites during Makar Sankranti is a cherished tradition in many parts of India. Traditionally, cotton kite strings coated with powdered glass were used. However, over the past several years, nylon strings—popularly called Chinese manjha—have increasingly replaced cotton due to their durability and low cost.
This durability, however, has turned deadly. Nylon strings are extremely sharp and strong, capable of slicing through skin, causing deep wounds and even fatal injuries. Motorcyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable, as the thin threads are often impossible to spot until it is too late.
Similar deaths across the country
The Bidar incident is not an isolated one. Just this Monday, a 45-year-old man, Raghuveer Dhakar, died in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after a kite string slit his throat. Delhi has also witnessed multiple such tragedies over the years.
In July 2025, a 22-year-old businessman, Yash Goswami, died after a kite string slashed his neck while he was riding a scooter on the Rani Jhansi flyover in north Delhi. In 2022, a biker lost his life on the Haiderpur flyover due to Chinese manjha injuries. In another heartbreaking incident, a seven-year-old child was killed in July 2023 in Delhi’s Paschim Vihar after being struck by a kite string.
Enforcement falls short
Authorities across states routinely conduct inspections and raids to seize banned nylon kite strings, especially around festive seasons. However, the recurring deaths suggest that enforcement measures are inadequate.
Despite bans in several states, illegal sale and use of nylon manjha continue openly in many areas. Activists and residents have repeatedly demanded stricter enforcement, heavier penalties and sustained awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies.
Conclusion
The death of Sanjukumar Hosamani in Bidar is yet another grim reminder of the lethal danger posed by nylon kite strings and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and faster emergency response systems. As families mourn and communities protest, the tragedy underscores a pressing question: how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to end this preventable menace?