Pune Police Seize Chinese Manja Worth Over Rs 36,820 Ahead of Makar Sankranti

Pune, 11th January 2025: Against the backdrop of Makar Sankranti, Pune Police have taken major action against Chinese Manja (nylon kite strings). A total of 5 places were raided, and manja worth over Rs 36,820 was seized.

During the Makar Sankranti period, kite flying competitions and general kite flying are popular activities. Many people use manja for an edge in competitions or because it reportedly makes kite flying easier. However, manja, being coated with glass or metal, poses a serious threat to birds and humans alike. Recent incidents in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have proven this danger.

The operation was led by Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawade, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingle. Actions were taken under the jurisdictions of Sahakar Nagar, Chaturshringi, Vishrantwadi, Warje Malwadi, and Market Yard Police Stations.

The police station-wise details of the raids are as follows:

Sahakar Nagar Police Station: Accused Rahul Sham Kamble (age 19), manja worth Rs 18,000 seized.
Chaturshringi Police Station: Accused Iliyas Samim Shaikh (age 42), manja worth Rs 14,200 seized.
Vishrantwadi Police Station: Accused Mayur Mahadev Anarse (age 34), manja worth Rs 1,720 seized.
Warje Malwadi Police Station: Accused Siddharth Santosh Wakhare (age 19), manja worth Rs 500 seized.
Market Yard Police Station: Accused Dhananjay Chandrakant Mohol (age 26), manja worth Rs 2,400 seized.
In total, 5 accused were apprehended, and manja worth Rs 36,820 was seized during this operation.