In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of banned kite-flying strings, the Nashik city police have detained a young man and confiscated a large stock of hazardous nylon manja valued at over one lakh rupees.
Major Haul in Old City Raid
Acting on a specific tip-off, the Crime Branch Unit 2 of the Nashik Police Commissionerate launched a targeted operation. The information pointed towards Farooq Mulani, a 22-year-old resident of Multanpura in the Bhadrakali old city area, who was allegedly selling the prohibited material between Mumbai Naka and the Bharatnagar slum area.
Under the leadership of API Hemant Todkar, a police team raided the location. During the operation, they discovered that Mulani had hidden the contraband manja in a plastic bag. Upon searching, the police recovered a staggering 101 nylon reels, with an estimated market value of Rs 1,00,000.
Stringent Action Under BNS and Environmental Laws
The detained individual was promptly booked under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Environment (Protection) Act. This legal action underscores the serious view authorities are taking towards the sale and use of nylon manja, which is notorious for causing fatal injuries to birds and humans during the kite-flying season.
Senior police officials revealed that this enforcement drive is being conducted under the direct guidance of Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik, DCP (Crime) Kirankumar Chavan, and ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke. A strict vigil is being maintained across the city to completely choke the supply of this dangerous material.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Ahead of Makar Sankranti
The police have issued a stern warning to potential violators. Anyone found selling nylon manja will face externation from the city for a period of 10 to 15 days around the time of the Makar Sankranti festival. This punitive measure has been implemented successfully over the past few years as a strong deterrent.
This recent arrest is not an isolated incident. Over the past month, the Nashik police have registered cases against a large number of individuals involved in the illegal trade of nylon manja. The consistent raids and legal actions signal a sustained campaign to eradicate the menace before the festive season peaks, ensuring a safer celebration for all.
