More than 600 birds suffered injuries during Mumbai's Makar Sankranti kite festival. Activists report widespread use of banned Chinese manja causing severe harm to owls, crows, pigeons and other species across suburban areas.
A 48-year-old man died after a glass-coated Chinese manja slit his throat while riding a motorcycle in Bidar. Police have stepped up patrolling and booked cases against sellers.
The kite-flying season turned deadly as banned Chinese manja claimed nine lives in Gujarat. Separate electrocution incidents killed a fireman in Maharashtra and a man in Vadodara.
Kite flying festivities in Gujarat turned deadly as killer manja claimed lives across multiple districts. Emergency services reported a sharp 33% increase in calls during Uttarayan.
Uttarayan festivities turned deadly in Gujarat as killer manja claimed multiple lives, including children, across Surat, Vadodara, and other districts during Jan 14-15.
More than a hundred people, including children, suffered injuries from falls and abrasive kite strings during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Jaipur, with hospitals reporting serious cases.
A 38-year-old migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh died after a banned Chinese manja kite string slit his throat while riding a motorcycle in Sangareddy district.
Banned Chinese manja kite string caused three deaths and over 100 injuries across UP, Telangana, and Karnataka during Makar Sankranti celebrations, with victims including a doctor and migrant worker.
Kite flying during Makar Sankranti in Nashik saw a significant decline this year as residents focused on corporation election activities, with sellers reporting halved business and banned nylon manja still in use.
A tragic incident in Bidar, Karnataka, claims a biker's life as a sharp kite string, known as manja, slits his throat while he was on his way to bring his daughter home.
A 48-year-old man died instantly when a banned manja kite thread sliced his neck while riding to fetch his daughter for Sankranti in Bidar district, sparking protests.
Hyderabad's Bhogi and Sankranti celebrations resulted in over 200 bird injuries, human casualties, and environmental harm from plastic kites and synthetic manja threads.
A retired soldier suffered deep lip wounds after a kite string coated with synthetic manja wrapped around his face while riding a motorcycle in Madhurawada.
A 50-year-old man suffered a deep neck injury from a manja-coated kite string while riding his motorcycle on Tamulia bridge in Balasore district.
Police in Ganjam and Gajapati districts conducted surprise raids under 'Operation Strike', seizing firearms, country liquor, and arresting multiple individuals ahead of Makar Sankranti.
A police officer and an elderly woman suffered serious injuries from banned Chinese manja in Hyderabad. Authorities intensify enforcement ahead of Sankranti season.
Nashik Road police arrested a 33-year-old man for selling banned nylon manja, seizing 47 reels worth Rs 23,000. He faces attempt to commit culpable homicide charges under BNS Section 110.
Bengaluru faces a severe avian crisis as nearly 300 birds died from Chinese manja injuries in just 12 days. Rescue centers report alarming numbers of manja-related cases.
Two separate incidents involving dangerous Chinese manja kite strings injured a police officer in Nallakunta and a woman in Meerpet, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Hyderabad.
The Bombay High Court criticizes Maharashtra's failure to enforce the nylon manja ban, orders a Special Task Force and nodal officer for online monitoring ahead of Makar Sankranti.
Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court imposes strict penalties: ₹2.5 lakh for sellers and ₹25,000 for users of banned nylon kite strings. Fines to fund victim treatment.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation creates multi-departmental committee for coordinated action against banned nylon manja causing injuries to birds, animals, and humans. 24x7 helpline numbers announced.
Hyderabad's bird rescue groups report nearly 200 injuries from banned Chinese manja in recent weeks, with rare species affected despite enforcement efforts.
Nashik police register only 7 nylon manja cases this January, down from over 40 last year, with strict vigil and externment of sellers credited for the decline.
Madhya Pradesh High Court warns guardians of legal responsibility if minors fly kites with Chinese manja, ordering public awareness campaigns about penalties under new laws.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court issues a stern warning, holding parents accountable for children using banned Chinese manja, emphasizing safety and legal consequences.
Hyderabad police ramp up efforts to ban deadly Chinese manja kite strings during Sankranti festivities. Learn about the risks and enforcement actions.
A 33-year-old man in Hyderabad suffered a deep shoulder cut from banned Chinese manja. Police have arrested sellers in Gachibowli and Suryapet. Read about the dangers and the ongoing crackdown.
Ranchi police arrested five men for illegal arms trade, seizing pistols and 130+ rounds. The gang sourced weapons from Bihar's Munger. Details inside.
Patna Police conducted two successful raids, arresting three criminals including a fugitive. The operation led to the recovery of country-made pistols and illicit liquor. Read the full details of the crackdown here.