Despite a city-wide ban, the dangerous use of Chinese manjha claimed yet another life in Indore on Sunday evening, raising serious concerns over enforcement and public safety.
The victim, Raghuvir Dhakad, a tile contractor and resident of Om Sai Vihar Colony in Bicholi Mardana, died after a razor-sharp Chinese manjha slit his throat while he was riding his motorcycle. The incident occurred on the road connecting Kanadia and Tilak Nagar, near Shakuntala Hospital.
Incident while returning from work
According to family members, Dhakad had gone to inspect a work site and was returning home when he suddenly came into contact with a stray Chinese manjha. The glass-coated synthetic string cut deeply into his neck, causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and collapse on the road.
Passers-by alerted his family using his mobile phone, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared him dead during treatment due to severe blood loss.
Second death in recent days
This is the second fatal incident linked to Chinese manjha in recent days. A few days earlier, a 16-year-old boy lost his life after suffering a similar neck injury on the Indore–Dewas bypass. Police sources said at least six people have sustained serious injuries to their necks, faces and hands during the current kite-flying season.
Probe ordered, family grief deepens
Manish Lodha said a probe has been initiated and the body was sent for post-mortem examination. In another incident reported on Sunday evening, a college student, Narendra Jamod, sustained neck injuries due to Chinese manjha and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
The tragedy has devastated Dhakad’s family. He is survived by his son Sahil, a student. Another son had drowned two years ago, compounding the family’s grief.
Ban flouted, risks remain
Chinese manjha, made of nylon or plastic and coated with glass, is banned due to its high tensile strength and lethal nature. However, its easy availability in the black market continues to pose a grave threat to commuters and pedestrians alike.