A five-year-old girl lost her life after her neck was fatally injured by banned Chinese manja in Hyderabad on Monday, once again highlighting the deadly consequences of illegal nylon kite strings during the festival season.
The incident took place in the Kukatpally area when the child, Nishvika Aditya, was travelling on a motorcycle with her father and elder sister. Police said a kite string, popularly known as Chinese manja, became entangled around the girl’s neck, causing a deep cut and severe bleeding. She died on the spot.
The family was returning to Kukatpally from Khajipalli in Medchal–Malkajgiri district when the tragedy occurred. A case has been registered, and police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal use and sale of the banned string.
Second fatal incident in less than two weeks
This is the second death linked to Chinese manja in Telangana within a fortnight. On January 14, a 35-year-old migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh was killed in Sangareddy district after a nylon kite string slit his throat while he was riding a motorcycle.
Authorities said that more than a dozen people have suffered injuries due to Chinese manja in Hyderabad and surrounding areas this month alone. The injured include a police Assistant Sub-Inspector and a 70-year-old woman.
Despite ban, usage continues
Chinese manja, made of synthetic or nylon material coated with abrasive substances, is banned due to its lethal nature to humans, birds, and animals. However, its use continues rampantly during kite-flying festivals such as Sankranti.
In 2024, an Indian Army Naik lost his life in Hyderabad after his throat was slit by Chinese manja while riding a scooter on a city flyover, sparking widespread public outrage.
Police intensify crackdown
Hyderabad Police have launched special drives to curb the sale, storage, and transportation of Chinese manja. Between January 8 and 11, police seized over 2,100 bobbins worth ₹43 lakh and arrested 57 people. In the last one month alone, more than 8,300 bobbins valued at ₹1.68 crore have been seized, with 200 arrests made.
Police have urged citizens to avoid banned kite strings and report illegal sales to prevent further loss of innocent lives.