Hyderabad Police Intensifies Crackdown on Chinese Manja
Sajjanar reiterated that the State government has imposed a complete ban on Chinese Manja made with synthetic or nylon string, due to the serious threat it poses to humans, birds, and the environment
Hyderabad: Ahead of Sankranti festival, the Hyderabad city police stepped up enforcement against the banned ‘Chinese Manja’ to curb its sale, storage, and transportation across the city. The special drive has resulted in large-scale seizures and arrests.
Addressing the media, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, VC Sajjanar, said Sankranti is a festival of joy and kite-flying, but celebrations should not endanger lives. He reiterated that the State government has imposed a complete ban on Chinese Manja made with synthetic or nylon string, due to the serious threat it poses to humans, birds, and the environment.
“Despite the ban, illegal sales are being carried out clandestinely. There will be zero tolerance. Anyone found selling, storing, or transporting Chinese Manja will face immediate criminal action. Special teams have been deployed across the city,” he said.
The Commissioner also pointed out that some traders have shifted to online platforms to evade enforcement. “We have put in place round-the-clock surveillance on e-commerce platforms and social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the online sale or purchase of Chinese Manja,” he warned.
He further cautioned parents about the dangers of the metallic coating on Chinese Manja, which can cause severe injuries and even electric shocks, especially to children. Citizens were urged to use only traditional cotton kite strings and to report violations by dialing 100 or through WhatsApp at 94906 16555.
As part of the ongoing drive, the Hyderabad police have registered 103 cases and arrested 143 persons. A total of 6,226 bobbins of banned Chinese Manja, with an estimated market value of Rs.1.24 crore have been seized.
The South West Zone reported the highest number of violations, with 34 cases registered and 46 arrests, leading to the seizure of 3,265 bobbins worth Rs.65.30 lakh. This was followed by the South Zone, where 27 cases were booked and 35 persons arrested, resulting in the seizure of 1,861 bobbins valued at Rs.37.22 lakh.
In the East Zone, 18 cases were registered against 29 persons, with seizures worth Rs.6.02 lakh. The South East Zone reported nine cases and 10 arrests. The Central, North, and West Zones reported six, five, and four cases respectively.
The Commissioner’s Task Force played a key role in the enforcement drive, accounting for 67 cases, 87 arrests, and seizures of banned manja worth Rs.68.78 crore.