Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Declares Chinese Manjha Deaths as Murder, Orders State-Wide Crackdown
In a decisive move following a tragic incident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued stringent orders to treat all fatalities caused by Chinese manjha as murder cases. This directive comes after a 36-year-old medical representative lost his life when a nylon kite string entangled around his throat while he was riding a motorcycle. The Chief Minister has mandated that erring officials face strict accountability for failing to curb the sale of this hazardous material across the state.
Immediate Response to Fatal Accident
The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday when Mohammad Shoeb, a resident of Dubagga locality, was traveling on his motorbike towards the old city area of Lucknow. As he navigated the Haiderganj flyover heading towards Eveready crossing, a Chinese manjha string became entangled around his throat. Before he could halt his vehicle, the string inflicted a deep cut, resulting in severe blood loss. Bystanders and locals rushed him to the King George’s Medical University trauma center, located approximately three kilometers away, but doctors declared him dead due to excessive bleeding. Shoeb, the sole breadwinner for his family, is survived by his mother, wife, and two young daughters.
Chief Minister’s Directives and State-Wide Campaign
During a high-level meeting at his residence, Chief Minister Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and issued comprehensive instructions. He emphasized that Chinese kite string is completely banned and its continued availability poses a grave threat to public safety. The CM has ordered:
- Murder cases to be registered for all manjha-related deaths.
- Intensive raid operations by police across Uttar Pradesh to target the sale, storage, and transportation of Chinese manjha.
- A special state-wide campaign aimed at dismantling the supply chain of this dangerous material.
- Regular reviews at the highest level to monitor progress and ensure no laxity in enforcement.
Adityanath stated, “There can be no compromise on public safety. Chinese kite string is not only a legal offence but also a deadly threat to the general public, children, and wildlife. Our objective is to make the state completely free from this dangerous kite string.”
Legal and Administrative Context
This action aligns with a recent directive from a Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court, which, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation last month, ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to enforce a prohibition on the manufacturing, sale, and use of Chinese manjha. The PIL had sought a complete ban due to the rising number of fatalities attributed to the sharp, non-biodegradable strings. Senior officials present at the CM’s meeting confirmed that the government is committed to rigorous implementation of these measures to prevent further tragedies.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing bans, as Chinese manjha continues to be sold illegally in markets. The Chief Minister’s orders underscore a zero-tolerance approach, with murder charges intended to serve as a strong deterrent against negligence and illegal activities related to this lethal product.
