Kanpur Police Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Manjha Trade with Multiple Arrests
In a significant enforcement action, the Kanpur police have successfully dismantled a network involved in the illegal trade of banned Chinese manjha, arresting four individuals and confiscating a substantial cache of the hazardous material. The operation, which unfolded on Thursday, marks a critical step in the city's ongoing campaign against the dangerous kite-flying string.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Major Seizure
The breakthrough came through a meticulously planned joint operation involving the Crime Branch team, the Central Zone Surveillance unit, and personnel from the Bekanganj police station. Acting on intelligence, authorities apprehended a suspect identified as Arif Saifi, who was found in possession of 70 spools of the prohibited Chinese manjha. Following his arrest, a formal case was registered against Saifi, and he was promptly produced before a court for judicial proceedings.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Headquarters) Sankalp Sharma provided insights into the investigation, stating, "During interrogation, important information has been obtained from the accused regarding the sources of banned manjha. Further legal action is being taken." This revelation underscores the police's focus on tracing the supply chain to root out the distributors and manufacturers behind the illicit trade.
Expanding Investigation Uncovers Broader Network
As part of the broader initiative spearheaded by the Kanpur Commissionerate, the crackdown extended beyond this single arrest. In related actions, two additional cases were registered, leading to the apprehension of three more accused individuals. These operations resulted in the seizure of an additional 20 spools of the banned manjha, bringing the total haul to an alarming 100 spools.
The cumulative efforts have so far led to the arrest of four persons, highlighting the scale of the illegal activity in the region. The banned Chinese manjha, known for its sharp, non-biodegradable coating, poses severe risks to humans, animals, and the environment, often causing fatal injuries during kite-flying festivals.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Measures
The Kanpur police have reiterated their commitment to eradicating the menace of banned manjha through sustained surveillance and stringent legal actions. The operations are part of a continuous campaign aimed at enforcing bans on such hazardous materials, with authorities leveraging intelligence-gathering and inter-departmental coordination to achieve results.
With the accused now in custody and investigations progressing, the police are focused on dismantling the entire supply network to prevent future distribution. This crackdown serves as a stern warning to those involved in the illegal trade, emphasizing the authorities' zero-tolerance policy towards activities that endanger public safety.
