Lucknow Police Crack Down on Hazardous Chinese Manjha, Arrest Two in Special Drive
In a decisive move to combat the sale and use of perilous Chinese manjha, which poses a severe threat to public safety, the Bazaarkhala police in Lucknow have arrested two individuals and confiscated banned kite-flying materials. This enforcement action is part of a week-long special drive initiated from February 6 to 12, aimed at curbing the manufacturing, storage, sale, and utilization of synthetic, nylon, and metal-coated kite strings. These hazardous materials have been implicated in numerous fatal accidents and injuries across Uttar Pradesh.
Background and Police Operation
Acting under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a police team from the Bazaarkhala police station conducted random searches in shops selling kites on February 9. During this operation, they received a tip-off regarding the recent purchase of heavy manjha by two men. Following a thorough background check, it was discovered that the individuals were not affiliated with any club or participating in any competitions.
A dedicated team was formed, and officers in plain clothes launched a checking drive. Utilizing CCTV footage, they located the suspects after ten hours of meticulous groundwork. The two were intercepted during a routine check at the Haiderganj trisection, where police found three bobbins (charkhi) of dangerous manjha and eleven kites in their possession. The accused were traveling on a motorcycle, which was also seized as part of the investigation.
Identification and Legal Proceedings
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sadaf Ali (20), son of Haider Ali, and Ayan Khan (21), son of Chandu, both residents of Maleshemau, Gomtinagar. DCP Vishwajeet Srivastava of the west zone stated that while a chemical test is required to definitively identify the type of manjha, the material in their possession was extremely hazardous and likely sourced from Bareilly.
"It was illegal possession and posed a grave risk to pedestrians, bikers, and animals," emphasized the DCP. An FIR has been registered at the Bazaarkhala police station under section 270 (causing danger in a public place) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused have been taken into custody, and further legal actions are currently underway.
Motives and Police Response
During interrogation, the two failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for carrying the dangerous manjha. They claimed to be kite enthusiasts who had been using these threads for a long time to win competitions and were en route from Gomtinagar to Talkatora for kite flying. Police officials have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against anyone involved with banned manjha, warning that violations will result in stringent legal consequences to safeguard public safety.
Context of the Crackdown
This intensified police effort comes in the wake of tragic incidents, including the death of 34-year-old Mohammed Shoaib due to a nylon kite string at the Haiderganj bridge in Lucknow's Bazaarkhala area on February 5. A series of similar injury cases reported from various parts of the city has prompted authorities to heighten vigilance and enforcement measures. The special drive underscores the government's resolve to eliminate the dangers associated with hazardous kite-flying materials and protect citizens from preventable harm.
