Maharashtra: Boy Gets 40 Stitches After Injuries Caused By Nylon Manja

Nashik, 4th January 2024: A seven-year-old boy, Malhar Raut, required 40 stitches after sustaining deep gashes on his face and neck from a length of nylon manja in the Yeola taluka of Nashik district on January 1. Sources from the private hospital where Malhar is admitted reported that his condition is now stable, with 40 internal and external stitches utilized to treat the wounds.

The incident occurred in the evening as Malhar was traveling with his grandfather on a bike along the Ankai-Chandgaon road. A length of nylon manja wrapped around his face, causing severe injuries. His grandfather promptly rushed him to a private hospital in Yeola.

Inspector Pandurang Pawar of the Yeola taluka police station confirmed the incident but stated that, so far, no complaint has been registered by Malhar’s family. However, he acknowledged the risk posed by nylon manjas and mentioned that the rural police are closely monitoring the manufacture and sale of these hazardous kite-flying strings.

Social activists highlighted the danger of nylon manjas, emphasizing that when entangled in trees, they become death traps for birds. Over time, the threads’ colors fade, making them difficult for birds to spot. When birds come in contact with the manja, their bodies and wings get slashed.

In the past year, around 30 birds were injured during Makar Sankranti, with some losing their wings completely. The incident with Malhar Raut serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm caused by these dangerous kite strings.