A 35-year-old man has died in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, after the string of a kite, known as ‘Chinese manjha’, entangled around his neck and caused a fatal injury. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon as the man was riding his two-wheeler to work.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the incident took place near the Hawart embankment in the Ilahibagh area, falling under the jurisdiction of the Tiwaripur police station. The accident occurred around 1:00 PM.
The victim, identified as Ramesh Kannaujia, a resident of Suryakund, was employed at a cosmetics shop. While en route to his workplace on his motorcycle, the glass-coated kite string wrapped around his neck, inflicting critical injuries. Passersby, with the assistance of local police, promptly transported him to the district hospital. However, medical professionals declared him dead upon arrival.
The family of Ramesh Kannaujia was informed about the tragic incident and arrived at the hospital. His wife, Punna, and father, Fakire, were overcome with grief upon seeing the body. Mr. Kannaujia had been married for ten years and is survived by his two children, a nine-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son.
Circle Officer (Kotwali), Onkar Dutt Tiwari, stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is currently underway. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
‘Chinese manjha’, a synthetic kite string often coated with powdered glass, has been a subject of concern and regulatory action in various parts of India due to its sharp and dangerous nature. Its use poses a significant risk to pedestrians, motorists, and birds. The string’s abrasive coating is designed to cut through other kite strings in aerial duels, but its lethality extends to causing severe injuries or fatalities when it comes into contact with human skin or the necks of unsuspecting individuals.
Authorities have previously issued warnings and bans on the sale and use of such hazardous kite strings. In many states, including Uttar Pradesh, efforts have been made to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with ‘Chinese manjha’ and to enforce existing regulations. The production and sale of this material are often illegal, but its availability, particularly during kite-flying seasons like Makar Sankranti, remains a persistent issue.
The incident in Gorakhpur highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the use of illegal and dangerous kite-flying materials. Public cooperation and strict adherence to bans are crucial to preventing such preventable tragedies. The investigation will likely focus on tracing the origin of the manjha and identifying any individuals involved in its illegal sale or use in the vicinity of the incident.
The Chenab Times News Desk