5 held for selling banned Chinese manja ahead of Sankranti; Sultan Bazaar cops seize 155 bobbins

Hyderabad: Five persons were arrested while they were trying to sell the banned Chinese manja to people ahead of Sankranti.

The Special Crime Team, CCS, DD Hyderabad, seized 155 Gold Chinese Manja Bobbins from the accused identified as Kandesh Pawan Kumar (43), Rohit Agarwal (35), Nikhil (19), Mohd Moin Mallick (26) and Abdul Kareem (24). They are residents of Sultan Bazaar, Amberpet and Chelapura.

‘Festival of joy should not endanger lives’

Earlier, addressing the media, Commissioner of Police, VC Sajjanar, IPS, said Sankranti is a festival of joy and kite-flying, but celebrations should not endanger lives.

He reiterated that the Government has imposed a complete ban on Chinese Manja due to the serious threat it poses to humans, birds and the environment.

“Despite the ban, illegal sales are being carried out clandestinely. There will be zero tolerance. Anyone found selling, storing or transporting Chinese Manja will face immediate criminal action. Special teams have been deployed across the city,” he said.

Online sales also under surveillance

The Commissioner also pointed out that some traders have shifted to online platforms to evade enforcement.

“We have put in place round-the-clock surveillance on e-commerce platforms and social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the online sale or purchase of Chinese Manja,” he warned.

He further cautioned parents about the dangers of the metallic coating on Chinese Manja, which can cause severe injuries and even electric shocks, especially to children. Citizens were urged to use only traditional cotton kite strings and to report violations by dialling 100 or through WhatsApp at 94906 16555.