Deadly Kite String 'Manjha' Claims Life of 16-Year-Old Motorcyclist in Indore Despite Nationwide Ban

'Manjha' made from nylon was banned nationwide in 2024 (Representational)

Indore:

A tragic incident occurred in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday when a 16-year-old teenager lost his life after a kite string ('manjha') slit his throat while he was riding a motorcycle.

Despite being prohibited, manjha, which is made of nylon and typically coated with powdered glass to increase its sharpness for kite fighting competitions, remains in widespread use.

"Gulshan (16) was traveling on his motorcycle along the bypass road when a kite string sliced into his neck. He was returning home with friends after visiting the Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary. He was immediately transported to a hospital where he succumbed to severe blood loss," stated Devendra Markam, the officer in charge of Tejaji Nagar police station.

Gulshan's family members have claimed that the manjha was of Chinese origin.

Markam indicated that all aspects of the case are under investigation and confirmed that a police team had examined the location where the incident occurred.

According to witnesses, the manjha was extremely robust and sharp, causing finger injuries to Gulshan's two friends who were riding with him when they attempted to remove the string after it became embedded in his neck.

Nylon-based 'manjha' was prohibited across India in 2024 following a recommendation from the Animal Welfare Board of India due to the dangers it presents to animals, particularly birds. Authorities have advised using simple cotton thread as an alternative for flying kites.