Chinese manjha menace: 53 cases booked against illegal kite string sellers in Cyberabad

Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Police Commissionerate has booked as many as 53 cases so far against sellers of illegal Chinese manja.

The initiative comes after multiple incidents in which glass-and metal-coated strings caused severe injuries to road users and endangered public safety.

Accidents prompt police action

Police said a series of recent accidents involving two-wheeler riders triggered the intensified crackdown. In several instances, sharp kite strings snapped from rooftops and trees and wrapped around the necks of motorists, leading to deep cuts and heavy bleeding.

Areas such as Miyapur–Chandanagar main road, Madhapur, HITEC City, Kukatpally and Gachibowli have reported incidents, creating panic among commuters. In one case, on the Balanagar road, a motorcyclist suffered serious neck injuries when a hanging string suddenly struck him while he was riding through traffic.

Hazard from rooftop kite flying

According to police, kite flying from apartment terraces and building rooftops is a major contributor to the problem.

Strings often get entangled in trees and electric lines and later hang across roads, becoming invisible hazards for pedestrians and motorists, especially during peak traffic hours.

Why Chinese manjha dangerous?

Police explained that Chinese manjha is made of nylon and synthetic fibres and coated with glass powder or metal particles, making it extremely sharp.

When such a string comes in contact with a moving rider’s neck, it can cause severe lacerations and rapid blood loss, posing a serious risk to life.

Impact on birds and animals

The use of Chinese manjha has also taken a toll on wildlife and stray animals.

Birds such as sparrows, crows and kites have been found with strings wrapped around their wings, often leading to fatal injuries. Stray dogs and cattle have also suffered wounds after strings got entangled around their legs.

Legal provisions and enforcement

The Cyberabad Police reiterated that the sale, storage, transport and use of Chinese manjha is illegal. Special teams are conducting checks across markets and residential areas, and cases are being registered against violators. Police warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found flouting the ban.

Advisory to citizens

As part of a public safety campaign, police issued the following guidelines:

- Do not buy, sell, or use Chinese manjha or glass/metal-coated strings.

- Use only cotton thread for kite flying.

- Avoid flying kites near busy roads, highways or crowded areas.

- Do not fly kites near electric lines, transformers, or cell towers.

- Choose open grounds for kite flying.

- Parents must closely supervise children.

- Two-wheeler riders should always wear helmets

- Report hanging kite strings on roads to civic authorities.