In a major pre-emptive strike ahead of the Uttarayan kite festival, the Ahmedabad rural police have dismantled a large-scale illegal nylon kite string manufacturing and distribution network, seizing banned material and machinery valued at a staggering Rs 2.34 crore. The crackdown, which unfolded over two days across multiple locations including Dadra and Nagar Haveli, aims to curb the severe injuries and fatalities caused by the sharp, non-biodegradable synthetic threads each year.
From Farmhouse Raid to Factory Unearthing
The operation was triggered when the Sanand police intercepted a consignment of the prohibited nylon manja. Following the trail, investigators uncovered a sophisticated supply chain. Initial raids led to the seizure of nylon thread worth Rs 7.48 lakh from a farmhouse in Ranmal village, Sanand, and the arrest of four individuals.
Subsequent police action resulted in more recoveries: Rs 12.91 lakh worth of thread from a cotton pressing unit in Bavla, Rs 9.60 lakh from a truck near Vataman crossroads, and Rs 2.01 lakh from Anand town. Several more accused from different districts were arrested for possession and transportation of the dangerous material.
The Heart of the Illegal Trade: Vandana Industries
Deepening the probe, police traced the source of all seized consignments to a factory operating under the name Vandana Industries in Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH). After four days of meticulous surveillance, a joint team with local authorities raided the premises.
The unit was sealed, and a massive haul was confiscated: 43,192 reels of nylon thread worth approximately Rs 1.50 crore, along with machinery and raw material valued at around Rs 50 lakh. Officials revealed that this factory was the primary supplier for nylon thread dealers across north and south Gujarat.
A Major Blow to Dangerous Trade Before Festival
This coordinated special drive by the Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) was launched on the directions of senior officials to specifically target the manufacture, sale, and use of banned synthetic threads. These threads, coated with abrasive materials, turn into lethal weapons during the kite-flying season, causing fatal cuts to humans and birds alike.
In total, the police have seized more than 52,000 reels of the banned nylon thread, registered six separate cases, and exposed the involvement of 15 accused in this illicit trade. The bust is a significant step towards ensuring a safer Uttarayan celebration for the residents of Gujarat and its avian population.
