‘Deadly Synthetic Manja’ Claims Two Lives in Indore in Two Months; 11 Injured, Action in Narmadapuram Too

Indore, Madhya Pradesh:
Indore has witnessed two fatalities and 11 serious injuries over the past two months due to the use of Chinese and synthetic manja (kite string), sending shockwaves across the city. Authorities have arrested over 45 people and sealed shops selling the dangerous threads, but the threat continues to loom.

Police and traffic authorities have launched awareness campaigns to caution citizens about the risks of banned Chinese manja. Two-wheeler riders are being advised to wear full-face helmets and cover their necks with scarves while riding.

Fatal Incident in Om Vihar Colony
A 48-year-old contractor, Raghuvir Dhakad, residing in Om Vihar Colony, died when a synthetic manja became entangled around his neck. Police found the kite string wrapped around him at the scene. Attempts by officials to free him proved futile, confirming that the string was synthetic and not Chinese. Forensic tests are being conducted to ascertain the material.

Earlier Tragic Case of a Student
Earlier, on November 30, an eighth-grade student, Gulshan from Omex City, died after his neck was cut by a Chinese manja near Kanadia Bypass. His companion, Arun, was also injured. In total, the city has witnessed 11 incidents involving Chinese or synthetic manja so far.

Police Crackdown in Indore
Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotia stated that police are actively targeting the buying and selling of Chinese manja. So far, 35 cases have been registered, and over 50 individuals have been named in the FIRs. Warehouses and shops selling the strings have been sealed as part of the crackdown.

Action in Narmadapuram
The Narmadapuram administration issued an advisory warning that Chinese manja used for kite flying poses severe risks to human life, animals, and pedestrians. Accordingly, the sale and use of such manja have been completely prohibited under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Safety Code 2023, as per the Collector’s office circular dated January 6, 2026.

Recent Seizure During Search Operation
Following the directive of Superintendent of Police M. Krishna Thota, a district-wide inspection of shops selling manja was conducted. During a routine check in Sohagpur police station area, police seized Chinese manja from Sheikh Hanif, son of Sheikh Yakub, a resident of Sardar Ward No. 10, who intended to sell the banned product. The seizure was documented under Section 223(B) of the Indian Penal Code, and an investigation has been initiated.

Authorities continue to urge the public to refrain from using hazardous kite strings, emphasizing that synthetic and Chinese manja can be fatal.