Police Constable Killed as Illegal Nylon Manja Remains a Deadly Hazard in India

Despite a nationwide ban, synthetic kite strings continue to cause fatalities and injuries, prompting legal scrutiny and intensified crackdowns ahead of Makar Sankranti.

• A 30-year-old police constable in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur died after his throat was slit by banned synthetic manjha while riding his bike without a helmet.
• The incident highlights the dangers of nylon manja, a sharp, glass-coated kite string banned since 2017 due to its life-threatening risks to humans, animals, and infrastructure.
• Police in Pune have seized ₹36,000 worth of nylon manja and booked five individuals in a preemptive crackdown as kite flying surges during Makar Sankranti celebrations.
• The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for failing to implement a clear policy to curb nylon manja sales, directing authorities to intensify enforcement and submit compliance reports.
• Environmental groups and authorities are urging the public to use safe kite-flying materials to prevent further injuries and fatalities during the festival season.

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