Indian Father Killed by Banned Razor-Sharp Kite String in Uttar Pradesh

A tragic incident occurred in the city of Gorakhpur in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where 35-year-old father of two Ramesh Kannaujia was killed after a sharp kite string wrapped around his neck while riding a scooter. The string, known as "Chinese manjha," is banned due to its extreme danger and caused a deep slash to his throat.

Kannaujia lost control of his scooter and crashed on the roadside. Passersby rushed him to the district hospital, but doctors were forced to pronounce him dead due to massive blood loss, according to the Indian newspaper Navbharat Times. The event sparked public outrage over the continued use of the dangerous kite strings despite the official ban.

Crackdown on Banned Strings

"Chinese manjha" strings are made of synthetic materials and coated with sharp particles, including glass or metal shards. They are used in kite-flying competitions where participants attempt to cut opponents' strings. However, these razor-sharp cords pose severe risks to pedestrians and motorists.

Following Kannaujia's death, city police officer Nilesh Patil announced the launch of a criminal investigation and a special 48-hour enforcement operation against the sale of the banned items. Police plan to raid markets and confiscate dangerous merchandise from traders violating the law.

"Let me see my husband's face for the last time," wailed Purnima, Kannaujia's grieving widow, at the hospital.

Family Devastated by Loss

Kannaujia was the sole breadwinner for his family, supporting his elderly parents and two young children, 11-year-old Aparna and 7-year-old Aryan. Neighbors and relatives expressed profound shock over the sudden loss of the family's pillar, as reported by the Dainik Jagran newspaper.

Authorities are investigating how the illegal string ended up in the area and vowed to take strict legal action against anyone involved in selling or using the prohibited kite strings.