Tragedy struck Sangareddy, Telangana, when a popular kite string known as Chinese manja turned deadly, choking a man to death in a freak accident. The district, known for its vibrant kite culture, is now grappling with sorrow and calls for regulatory overhaul.
Details emerged that the victim was strolling near a kite-flying hotspot when a high-flying kite’s manja dipped low and coiled around his neck like a noose. The string, reinforced with industrial glue and silica, tightened with the wind’s force, leading to asphyxiation before help arrived. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Over the years, Chinese manja has earned infamy for causing not just human casualties but also injuring birds and damaging property. Despite legal prohibitions under the Kite Safety Act, enforcement remains lax in rural pockets. Sangareddy SP announced special teams to raid storage units and educate the public on spotting counterfeit strings.
As funerals conclude, activists push for eco-friendly alternatives like cotton manja. This incident has ignited debates on balancing cultural practices with modern safety standards. Telangana’s administration faces pressure to act decisively, ensuring no more lives are lost to these perilous playthings.