Chinese Manjha Deaths in Ghaziabad to be Treated as Murder: Yogi Adityanath's Warning
In a stern directive, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared that fatalities caused by the deadly Chinese manjha kite string will now be treated as murder cases. This announcement has shifted intense focus onto Ghaziabad, where a long trail of injuries and deaths linked to this banned material continues to haunt the city.
Persistent Incidents Despite Ban and Enforcement Drives
Incidents involving Chinese manjha have persisted in Ghaziabad, even after the National Green Tribunal imposed a nationwide ban on its manufacture, sale, and use in 2017. The Ghaziabad district administration has also announced strict action against traders dealing in the product. However, enforcement on the ground remains patchy, as admitted by officials and residents.
Despite the ban, Chinese manjha continues to be sold openly in several parts of Ghaziabad, including Khoda, Pratap Vihar, Vijay Nagar, and Muradnagar. Under existing laws, anyone caught selling or using Chinese manjha can face up to five years in jail, a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both.
Ghaziabad's Decade-Long Struggle with Chinese Manjha
Over the past decade, Ghaziabad has witnessed several cases of serious injuries and deaths caused by Chinese manjha. This kite string is made of an ultra-thin plastic filament coated with fine glass shards, giving it high tensile strength and making it extremely difficult to snap, posing severe risks to people, especially during the kite-flying season.
In contrast, neighbouring Gautam Budh Nagar has reported no fatalities linked to Chinese manjha since January 2017, although police officials continue enforcement drives during the kite-flying season to maintain vigilance.
Recent and Past Tragic Incidents Highlight the Danger
One of the most serious recent cases occurred in November 2022, when Gaurav Arora, a policeman posted at the CBI office, was critically injured while riding his motorcycle back home from work. Near Vijay Nagar, the string slit into his neck, causing a sharp pain and profuse bleeding before he was rushed for medical treatment.
Earlier tragedies include:
- 2016: A biker died on the Thakurdwara flyover after a Chinese manjha sliced through his neck.
- 2016: A Class XII student suffered deep cuts on his neck in Vijay Nagar after coming into contact with the string while commuting.
- August 2018: A five-year-old child was injured in Krishna Nagar after being struck by Chinese manjha.
These incidents underscore the lethal nature of Chinese manjha and the urgent need for stricter enforcement to prevent further harm in Ghaziabad and beyond.
