Pune: Two Youths Injured by Nylon Manja Near Manchar Bus Stand During Makar Sankranti

Manchar, 14th January 2025: Two youths were injured when a nylon manja (kite string) became entangled around their necks while walking near the Manchar Bus Stand in the Pune district. A motorcyclist, Laxman Datkhile, narrowly avoided the same fate due to his caution. The incident occurred this afternoon during the Makar Sankranti festival when many young people were flying kites from buildings in the area.
The kite flyers were operating from a building opposite the Manchar Bus Stand. Both injured youths sustained neck injuries from the nylon manja. Datkhile, who was approaching on his motorcycle from behind them, managed to stop in time and assisted the injured youths.
Datkhile promptly reported the incident to the Manchar Police Station, urging action against those selling banned Chinese Manja in Manchar. In response, a police team led by Assistant Police Inspector Sunil Badgujar arrived at the scene. Upon hearing of the police’s approach, three or four youths ran away from the building opposite the bus stand.
Badgujar stated that an investigation has been initiated to identify the shopkeepers involved and legal action will be taken against those selling Chinese nylon ropes. The use of nylon manja, or synthetic kite string, is banned in Maharashtra due to its hazardous nature and the threat it poses to both humans and wildlife.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of nylon manja use during the kite-flying season, despite efforts by authorities to curb its sale and use. The Pune police have recently intensified their crackdown on the illegal sale of nylon manja, with multiple seizures and arrests reported in the lead-up to Makar Sankranti.