Kite flying mishaps during Sankranti: 8 treated for manja cuts at Osmania Hospital

Hyderabad: Kite flying, a popular tradition during Sankranti, brought festive cheer but also caused injuries to several persons in the city. The city witnessed several Chinese manja and kite-related mishaps, highlighting the need for caution during celebrations.

Manja-related injuries

Shivraj, a home guard at Langar House Traffic Police Station, sustained injuries while travelling to Tilak Nagar on the Narayanguda flyover. “The manja struck my neck while I was on my two-wheeler. Thankfully, passersby helped me reach a hospital,” he said.

A 30-year-old man in Navipet, Nizamabad district, was hospitalized after a manja string severely cut his neck while riding a bike.

A middle-aged man from Yadagirigutta suffered a minor neck injury when a kite string became entangled around his neck, causing him to fall from his two-wheeler.

Reports suggested that at Osmania General Hospital, eight individuals were treated in the outpatient ward for injuries caused by Chinese manja, a sharp synthetic thread banned due to its hazardous nature. No such cases were reported at Gandhi Hospital.

Other accidents during Sankranti 2025

A young boy was injured while chasing a kite at Chaderghat Bada Bridge.

In another incident, commuters were seen rescuing a pigeon entangled in a manja at Vengalrao Nagar Colony Main Road.

Previous Fatal Incident

In January 2024, a tragic accident claimed the life of a man when a Chinese manja string fatally slit his throat as he rode a two-wheeler in Hyderabad.

Police Crackdown on Chinese Manja

Hyderabad Police highlighted the dangers of Chinese manja, a synthetic nylon string coated with glass or metal, which poses significant risks to people, animals, and the environment.

• Between October 2024 and January 2025, police conducted extensive raids, registering 107 cases and apprehending 148 people involved in the illegal sale of Chinese manja.

• 7,334 bobbins, worth approximately ₹90 lakh, were seized during this period.

E-Commerce Under Scrutiny

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand pointed out that the availability of Chinese manja on online platforms is a significant issue.

“We may have to raid e-commerce storage houses and summon them for a meeting,” he posted on X, highlighting the challenge of controlling manja sales online.

Potential risks during kite flying

• Manja injuries: Sharp manja can cause deep cuts, particularly to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.

• Falls: Climbing rooftops to fly kites increases the risk of falls, especially for children.

• Accidents while chasing kites: Running onto roads or rooftops to retrieve kites can lead to accidents.

• Harm to birds and animals: Manja often entangles birds, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Safety tips for kite flying

1. Avoid using Chinese manja or other sharp threads. Use eco-friendly alternatives like cotton thread.

2. Wear protective gear like gloves and avoid flying kites near busy roads or electric lines.

3. Supervise children during kite flying and discourage chasing kites onto streets or rooftops.

4. Be vigilant while riding two-wheelers; consider wearing neck protection to prevent manja injuries.

5. Check rooftops for safety and ensure they are free from obstacles.

Officials have emphasised the dangers of using banned manja. “Citizens must prioritise safety over tradition. The use of banned materials like Chinese manja is punishable by law,” said B Satyanarayan, SHO, Malkajgiri.