Ahead of Wednesday’s Makar Sankranti festival, mid-day speaks to families who share haunting stories of how they lost loved ones to the killer kite string that seems to be thriving despite being banned
Constable Sameer Jadhav’s wife, Aparna, and daughter Swara hold a portrait of the deceased police officer as his father, Suresh, looks on at the family’s Worli residence in early January 2024. Pic/Atul Kamble
Every year, what should be a time of rejoicing unexpectedly marks the start of a period of mourning for some families, with the practice of flying kites with razor-sharp manja never ceasing to mar festivities surrounding the sacred festival of Makar Sankranti. Nylon strings coated with powdered glass or metal have claimed far too many innocent lives. mid-day spoke to a few Mumbaikars — including serving police officers — who were severely injured or lost loved ones to this menace, to encourage responsible behaviour, create awareness, and ensure adequate precautions are put in place.
Police action
In Surat and Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the city police and local municipal corporation have restricted all bikers from using flyovers on January 14, 15, and 16, while the authorities are also installing safety shields on two-wheelers and providing neckbands to riders. However, in Mumbai, no such precautions are being taken.
Police Inspector Rakesh Gawli, attached to the Matunga police station, before and after his throat was slit by manja in 2021. Pics/By Special Arrangement
When this correspondent reached out to the Mumbai Police to see what measures had been put in place to avert tragedy this year, Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Choudhary said, “Prohibitory orders have already been issued, and all the police stations across Mumbai are taking the necessary steps. We request that all citizens not use Chinese or nylon manja.”
Recently, the Hyderabad police arrested 143 people and seized R1.24 crore worth of killer Chinese manja. The police also registered 103 FIRs and seized 6226 bobbins. According to sources, most traders are selling the banned item on e-commerce websites and social media.
Victims speak
PI Rakesh Gawli, attached to the Matunga police station, told mid-day, “In 2021, I was headed to the session courts on my bike, and when I approached the JJ Flyover, a nylon string slit my throat. I lost a lot of blood because the cut was deep. I was admitted to the hospital. Doctors performed multiple surgeries and removed string that had got lodged in my neck. I was in continuous pain for almost three years after the incident. I will not be going outside on my bike on Makar Sankranti.”
He added, “I request all citizens not to use Chinese manja or nylon manja. Ride slowly and avoid flyovers during the festival. Use mufflers, scarves, or neckbands. I use a neckband and advise all my friends and relatives to do the same.”
Police officers ensure two-wheeler riders don neckbands in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, ahead of Makar Sankranti. Pics/By Special Arrangement
A retired police officer, Dyandev Baburao Kedar, who was attached to the Malwani police station, was also injured by manja while on duty. “In 2012, I was injured when heading from Kandivali to Malwani on my bike. At the Rajendra Nagar flyover in Borivli, I was injured above my eyes and had to get 12 stitches. I was saved only because I was wearing a helmet, so I urge all bikers and pillion riders do the same.”
Sandeep Singh, Kandivli resident whose throat was slit in 2012
Kandivli resident Sandeep Singh was on his way to work on his two-wheeler when his throat was slit near Oberoi Mall in Goregaon. “Now I avoid going out during Makar Sankranti week. I am terrified of Chinese manja. People should not endanger others’ lives while flying kites. I was in agony for years following my accident and couldn’t even eat properly. I request all citizens, especially two-wheeler riders, to exercise caution,” he said.
A wife’s grief
Aparna Jadhav, the wife of Constable Sameer Jadhav, who lost his life immediately after coming in contact with nylon manja in December 2023, said, “I lost my husband and the father of my three children because of Chinese manja. He was the sole breadwinner of the family. I’m thankful to the Mumbai Police for helping me get a job in Mantralaya after my husband’s death.”
Constable Sameer Jadhav, who lost his life in December 2023
Constable Jadhav was returning to his Worli residence from the Dindoshi police station when tragedy struck on the Santacruz flyover. Requesting kite flyers not to use Chinese manja, Aparna Jadhav said, “My husband died immediately due to this menace. I have requested all my relatives not to venture out on bikes during Makar Sankranti. I lost my husband, our sole breadwinner, but you should save your loved ones.”
Precautions
Bikers should use mufflers, scarves, or neckbands
Install safety shields on two-wheelers
Avoid flyovers and ride slowly
Don’t allow children to sit on fuel tanks of two-wheelers
Do not stick your head out of the sunroof of four-wheelers
Rs 1.24 cr
Value of killer manja seized by Hyderabad cops recently
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