In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of dangerous kite-flying strings, the Nagpur city police have arrested one individual and confiscated a large stock of banned Chinese manja. The action underscores the police department's intensified drive to curb the menace ahead of the kite-flying season.
Raids Uncover Illegal Stockpile
Acting on specific intelligence, a dedicated police team from Nagpur conducted a targeted raid at a location falling under the jurisdiction of the Sakkardara police station. The operation led to the arrest of Toufique Khan, a resident of Dighori, who was allegedly in possession of the prohibited material with the intent to sell it in the market.
The raid proved highly successful, with officials recovering a substantial quantity of the illegal nylon-based manja. The total value of the seized contraband was pegged at over ₹1.63 lakh. This haul is a major setback for the illicit supply chain of the deadly strings in the region.
Detailed Inventory of Seized Items
The items confiscated during the police operation provide a clear picture of the scale of the illegal activity. The seized articles included:
- 49 reels of banned nylon manja.
- A two-wheeler used in the operation.
- Mobile phones.
Following the raid, the Sakkardara police formally registered a case against Toufique Khan. He has been booked under Sections 5 and 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which deal with violations of orders and provisions that can cause environmental pollution and hazards.
Drive to Protect Life and Environment
The assistant police inspector leading the squad explained the critical motivation behind such drives. The Nagpur police have intensified their campaign against banned nylon manja for two primary reasons: to protect avian life and to prevent fatal accidents.
Every year, during festivals like Makar Sankranti, countless birds are severely injured or killed after getting entangled in the sharp, non-biodegradable Chinese manja. Furthermore, these strings, often coated with glass or metal, have been responsible for tragic accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians, sometimes leading to fatalities.
The police official confirmed that more such raids are planned across Nagpur city in the coming days. This proactive stance aims to dismantle networks stocking and selling the banned material before the peak kite-flying season begins, ensuring a safer environment for both citizens and wildlife.
