Two Tragedies in India: Motorcyclists Killed by Kite Strings
Two young men were fatally injured in the neck while riding motorcycles in the Delhi area during Independence Day celebrations. The incidents involved 'Manjha,' a sharp kite string, the synthetic versions of which are prohibited. Police have launched a crackdown, seizing hundreds of spools and arresting suspects.
Two motorcyclists were killed in India on the country's Independence Day after kite strings became entangled around their necks, causing severe injuries. The incidents occurred hours apart in the Delhi area, where celebrations across the country traditionally include kite flying.
The first victim, 25-year-old Ravi Raj, a resident of Noida, was killed on August 15 in the Kaushambi area of Ghaziabad. A sharp kite string became entangled around his neck while he was riding his motorcycle. His friend, Naresh, who was riding pillion, managed to take control of the bike and was not injured.
"The string struck Raj's neck, causing a deep cut and heavy bleeding," according to reports from the scene.
Police officers rushed Raj to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival. A video circulating on social media documented the aftermath, showing his friend attempting to assist him.
On the same day, a similar case occurred in Faridabad, Haryana. Pankaj Kumar was struck by a kite string while riding in the Old Faridabad area. He suffered a deep cut to his neck and a wound on his forehead. Despite being rushed to BK Hospital and later transferred to a facility in Delhi, he succumbed to his wounds.
The danger centers on 'Manjha'—a strong, sharp kite string often coated with synthetic materials or glass powder. The use, production, and sale of 'Chinese Manjha' are prohibited, yet the product remains available in markets.
In response, Ghaziabad police have intensified enforcement. Over the past three weeks, six individuals have been arrested in the Loni and Indirapuram areas, with 622 spools of the prohibited string seized. Authorities state that most suspects sourced the merchandise from Delhi.
Police are currently inspecting kite shops throughout the district and have vowed to take strict action against any vendors found selling the illegal string. Meanwhile, residents are demanding broader enforcement against the supply chain as investigations continue to trace the sources of the deadly material.
