In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of hazardous kite-flying thread, the Indore police have seized prohibited Chinese manjha worth over Rs 5 lakh in two separate actions across the city. The operations, conducted on Monday, led to the seizure of hundreds of spools and the registration of cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Pardesipura Shop Raid Uncovers Hidden Stock
The first incident unfolded in the bustling Lal Gali area of Pardesipura. A police team had visited the locality for a routine mohalla committee meeting and to create awareness about a district collector's order. This order, issued under Section 163 of the BNS, strictly prohibits the storage and sale of dangerous synthetic kite thread across the district.
While interacting with residents, the officials' attention turned to a local kite shop. The owner, identified as 66-year-old Hiralal Gaud, was questioned about the banned manjha. His evasive answers immediately raised red flags, prompting the team to conduct a thorough search of the premises.
To their surprise, the police discovered that Gaud had cleverly hidden the illegal stock. Eighty-four rolls of Chinese manjha were found concealed under the guise of ordinary cotton thread. The seized contraband was valued at approximately Rs 42,000. All the rolls were confiscated on the spot for violating the prohibitory order.
The Pardeshipura police station subsequently registered a case against Gaud under Section 223 of the BNS. Investigators are now grilling him to uncover the supply chain of this dangerous material, with expectations that more individuals might be implicated as the probe deepens.
Khajrana Police Intercept Major Consignment
In a parallel and larger seizure, the Khajrana police intercepted a vehicle carrying a massive consignment of the banned thread. Acting on a tip-off about the illegal sale of Chinese manjha in the area, senior officers had ordered an intensive crackdown to curb its circulation before the peak kite-flying season.
The police team stopped the vehicle and uncovered 16 cartons packed with 912 spools of the synthetic thread. The total value of this single seizure was a staggering Rs 4.75 lakh. The driver, a 45-year-old resident of Badnagar, was detained for questioning.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had sourced the hazardous stock from the national capital, Delhi. He was allegedly in the process of distributing it to various local vendors across Indore when the police intercepted him.
Intensified Crackdown Ahead of Festive Season
These coordinated actions highlight the police department's serious intent to enforce the ban on Chinese manjha. This synthetic thread, often coated with glass or metal, is extremely sharp and has been responsible for numerous fatal and serious injuries to birds, animals, and even humans during kite-flying festivals.
The use of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections marks a stringent legal approach to the problem. Authorities are clearly aiming to send a strong message to traders and suppliers involved in this perilous trade. With the upcoming festive period likely to see a surge in kite-flying activity, such pre-emptive seizures are crucial for public safety.
The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing and more raids are possible. They have urged citizens to report any information regarding the storage or sale of the banned Chinese manjha, emphasizing community cooperation to eradicate this hazard from the city.
