UP Government Declares Deaths Caused by Chinese Kite Strings as Murder After Lucknow Incident

Lucknow: Following the tragic death of a young man in Lucknow due to a Chinese kite string (manja), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strict stance, declaring that deaths caused by such strings will now be treated as murder.

The incident has intensified concerns over the use of Chinese kite strings in the state. Despite an existing ban on synthetic/nylon manja, violations have continued. CM Yogi has directed authorities to enforce a complete ban across Uttar Pradesh and ordered all district police officers to conduct raids to prevent further use. He emphasized that all cases of death caused by these strings will be treated as criminal homicide, and high-level reviews of enforcement actions across the state will be conducted.

Details of the Lucknow Incident
The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon on the flyover connecting Haiderganj Chowraha to the Talkatora Mill area. Mohammad Shoaib, 35, a medical representative working with a pharmaceutical company, was riding his scooter when his neck got entangled in a Chinese kite string. Eyewitnesses reported that the string’s tension caused a severe cut to his neck before he could regain control, resulting in him falling off the scooter.

Inspector Brajesh Kumar Singh of Bazar Khala stated that Shoaib was a resident of Seete Vihar Colony, Dubagga. He was immediately taken to a trauma center, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries there. Shoaib is survived by his wife Fauzia, two daughters – seven-year-old Bushra and two-year-old Ikra – and his mother, Abida Bano. His father had passed away several years ago.

Illegal Sales Despite Court Ban
The sale of Chinese kite strings is completely prohibited under orders from the courts and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Nevertheless, illegal trade persists, raising questions about enforcement. Offenders can face penalties under various laws:

• Environmental Protection Act: Up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
• Indian Penal Code, Section 188: Up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine.
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Section 11: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of ₹50,000.

The Lucknow incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by these strings, prompting strict action from the state government to prevent further tragedies.