No Mercy for Sellers of Death Manjha! CM Yogi Government Issues Strict Order on Chinese Manjha
UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders strict action against Chinese manjha, warning that deaths caused by banned manjha will be treated as murder.
CM Yogi (PC- Social Media)
Yogi Adityanath on Chinese Manjha: The series of tragic incidents caused by ‘Chinese manjha’ in Uttar Pradesh has now compelled the government to take strict action. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has adopted a firm stand on the issue and has clearly directed that if any person dies due to the use of banned Chinese manjha, it will no longer be treated as a “mere accident” but as “murder,” and an FIR under charges of murder will be registered against those responsible.
Following the Chief Minister’s strict orders, the police and administrative machinery across the state have swung into action.
Two Serious Incidents Within 12 Hours
Recently, two extremely painful incidents were reported in Lucknow within a span of 12 hours.
In the first incident, a 33-year-old medical representative, Mohammad Shoaib, lost his life in a horrific manner. He was riding his motorcycle to work when Chinese manjha suddenly got entangled around his neck. The string was so sharp that it slit his throat deeply. He was rushed to a trauma centre in critical condition, but doctors could not save him.
Shoaib is survived by his wife, two young daughters, and his elderly mother. He was the sole breadwinner of the family, and his untimely death has left them devastated.
The Second Incident
On the same day, in Gomti Nagar Extension, a retired army personnel, Brijesh Rai, was riding his scooter when Chinese manjha got severely entangled around his face and jaw. He suffered deep facial injuries and required nearly 30 stitches.
When information about both incidents reached Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he reportedly reprimanded officials and sought strict action.
CM Yogi’s Orders and Legal Provisions
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned police officials as to how the sale and use of Chinese manjha were continuing despite the ban. He clearly directed authorities to identify and dismantle the illegal network involved and to initiate strict action at the earliest.
Within hours of the order, an intensive statewide drive was launched. Raids were conducted at shops and warehouses, and a large quantity of banned manjha was seized.
History of the Ban and the Black Market
It is noteworthy that Chinese manjha was banned in Uttar Pradesh in 2015 following an order by the Allahabad High Court. Additionally, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a nationwide ban in 2016 on synthetic and metal-coated manjha.
Despite this, its illegal sale has continued. Nylon and metal-coated manjha have proven deadly not only for humans but also for birds.
How Many Deaths Across the Country?
According to available data, such incidents increase every year during Makar Sankranti and the kite-flying season. Dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries have been reported in states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
In Gujarat alone, thousands of birds have been injured and hundreds have died due to Chinese manjha. The string is particularly dangerous for bikers and scooter riders, as it is extremely difficult to spot and avoid while riding at high speed.
Punishment for Causing Death by Negligence
Legal experts state that under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly IPC Section 304A), there is a provision for punishment in cases of death caused by negligence. Additionally, separate penal action can be taken for the sale and use of banned materials.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, police are preparing to invoke stricter sections in such cases.
The Director General of Police has also issued orders to all districts to launch special and strict drives against Chinese manjha. Surveillance of wholesale dealers, online platforms, and local shops has been intensified. Authorities have made it clear that offenders will not be spared under any circumstances.
Sale Continues Despite Ban
Experts point out that demand for Chinese manjha persists despite the ban, as kite enthusiasts consider it sharper and more competitive. However, this very sharpness is destroying families and taking innocent lives.
In such a situation, both public awareness and strict enforcement are crucial.
The Chief Minister’s firm stance is being seen as a strong message regarding law and order in the state. It remains to be seen how effectively administrative strictness and sustained action can control this deadly menace.
For now, the government’s message is clear: Playing with banned Chinese manjha will come at a heavy cost.
What Can We Do?
If you want to ensure that no more families are destroyed, use only plain cotton string for kite flying. If you come across illegal manjha being sold or used, immediately call 100 and report it.