Chennai: In a massive raid in north Chennai area, police arrested 10 persons and seized around 350 bundles of Manja thread and accessories from them. Earlier in the day, Sembium police arrested two minor boys, residents of Otteri Mangalapuram slum development board settlements in connection with the death of five-year-old R. Ajay, killed by a loose manja thread. Police booked a case of 304 IPC (culpable homicide) against the two boys.
Ajay was traveling with his parents on a two-wheeler on the Murasloimaran flyover in Perambur when the manja thread slashed his throat killing him in front of his parents.
“During questioning, the boys confessed to have flown the kite using the thread and saw it slashing the child’s neck. We found that they brought themanja thread from a trader Murugan who runs Kumaran stores on Konnor high road, Otteri,” a police officer said.
While Murugan went into hiding fearing arrest, police raided his establishment at Korattur and seized 330 bundles of Manja thread, rolling machines, 120 bundles of white thread. His associates, M.Pradeep (23) and V.Kumar (70) were arrested, police said.
CoP: Manja thread users will be booked under culpable homicide
Monday’s raid on Manja thread sellers and manufacturers, in the wake of Sunday’s tragic death of a five-year-old kid in Perambur, is not a knee jerk reaction and is expected to continue full-fledged. Kite flying using Manja threads is prevalent in the northern pockets of the city, despite a blanket ban on using the dangerous thread. Sounding a tough warning to the traders, manufacturers and users, City Police commissioner, S. George said that the police would act tough henceforth. “Your entertainment shouldn’t be lethal for another.
Those who fly, sell and manufacture manja threads will be arrested,” George told DC. The city police commissioner further added that parents will also be booked in case the offenders happen to be juveniles. “We can book them under section 304 IPC (culpable homicide) as they are aware that using Manja thread is dangerous and still allow their wards to use them,” he added.
