Tragic Accident Claims Life in Bidar
A 48-year-old man lost his life in a horrific accident involving banned kite string in Karnataka's Bidar district. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 14, and has sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The victim, Sanjukumar Gundappa Hosamani, was a resident of Bambulgi village in Bidar taluk. He was riding his motorcycle to Humnabad to bring his daughter home from her hostel for the Sankranti holidays.
As Hosamani passed near the Talamadagi village bridge in Chitguppa, a banned nylon kite string stretched across the road entangled around his neck. The glass-coated string, known as Chinese manja, caused a deep cut to his throat.
He collapsed immediately on the road and bled profusely. Disturbing videos circulating on social media show Hosamani lying in a pool of blood, struggling to make a phone call to his daughter moments before his death.
Police Response and Investigation
The police registered a case at the Mannaekhelli police station under Section 106(1) for causing death by negligence and Section 281 for rash or negligent driving. The body underwent post-mortem examination at a government hospital before being handed over to the family.
Pradeep Gunti, Superintendent of Police for Bidar, stated that Chinese manja is banned in the area. He confirmed that special checking drives were conducted ahead of the festival and continuous patrolling continues after the incident.
"Cases have been booked against those found selling the banned kite strings," Gunti told reporters.
Public Outrage and Protests
Following the tragic death, residents and relatives of the deceased staged protests demanding strict action against the use and sale of Chinese manja. Protesters alleged that despite calling an ambulance immediately, it arrived late, and the delay contributed to Hosamani's death due to excessive blood loss.
In response to the public outrage, gram panchayat authorities made public announcements in the area warning residents against using nylon and glass-coated kite strings.
The Dangers of Chinese Manja
Every year during Sankranti, the use of Chinese manja leads to multiple injuries and fatalities across Karnataka. The nearly invisible and razor-sharp string has emerged as a serious public safety hazard.
This dangerous material poses significant threats to:
- Two-wheeler riders
- Pedestrians
- Birds
- Stray animals
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge authorities face in enforcing bans on these deadly kite strings during festival seasons.
