Did Hyderabad Police Really Seize Chinese Manja Worth Rs 1.24 Crore and Arrest 143 Individuals?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hyderabad, Jan 8 (NationPress) In a significant escalation of their efforts against the illegal trade of banned Chinese Manja, the Hyderabad police have confiscated a substantial amount of this contraband, valued at Rs 1.24 crore, and apprehended 143 individuals.
With the Sankranti festival approaching, law enforcement has heightened their actions to prevent the sale, storage, and distribution of Chinese Manja (a synthetic/nylon kite string) throughout the city.
During a press briefing, Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar disclosed that as part of this rigorous initiative, the police have filed 103 cases and detained 143 suspects. In total, the authorities have seized 6,226 bobbins of Chinese Manja, amounting to an estimated market price of Rs 1,24,52,000.
Sajjanar emphasized that while Sankranti is a time for celebration and kite flying, safety must not be compromised. He reiterated that the government has enacted a complete ban on Chinese Manja due to its severe risks to humans, birds, and the environment.
“Despite the prohibition, illicit sales continue to occur covertly. We will adopt a policy of zero tolerance. Anyone found engaged in the selling, storing, or transporting of Chinese Manja will face immediate legal repercussions. Special task forces have been assigned across the city,” he asserted.
The Commissioner also noted that some merchants have turned to online marketplaces to bypass enforcement measures. “We have implemented continuous monitoring of e-commerce and social media platforms. Strict legal action will be pursued against those involved in the online trade of Chinese Manja,” he warned.
He further alerted parents about the hazardous metallic coating on Chinese Manja, which poses a grave risk of severe injuries and electric shocks, particularly to children.
Sajjanar had previously indicated that there would be no leniency towards Chinese Manja.
He described Chinese Manja as a “silent killer,” responsible for serious injuries and even fatalities among pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, birds, and animals.
The Hyderabad police have established specialized teams to combat the illegal manufacturing, storage, transportation, and sale of this dangerous item.
Recently, four motorcyclists, including a constable and a student, sustained serious neck injuries due to Chinese Manja incidents over the past week.