The deadly menace of nylon manja has cast a long shadow over Nagpur, claiming two lives in recent years and injuring a woman police constable this year.
On January 14, 2025, a constable from Sitabuldi Police Station sustained a nose injury caused by nylon manja while on her way to duty. This incident highlights the persistent threat posed by the banned kite-flying thread.
In 2023, 11-year-old Ved Krishna Sahu tragically lost his life in Jaripatka when nylon manja slit his throat while riding pillion with his father. A similar incident occurred in 2021, when 20-year-old Pranay Prakash Thakre was killed in Imambada after the thread severed his respiratory tract. Both deaths sparked outrage over the authorities’ failure to enforce the ban effectively.
This year, Nagpur Police intensified their efforts to curb the menace. Significant seizures of nylon manja rolls and arrests of offenders were reported. Additionally, the Traffic Police introduced safety arches for two-wheelers—steel barriers designed to protect riders by intercepting manja threads before they can cause harm. Demonstrations were also held to educate motorists.

While these proactive measures mark progress, the tragedies of the past serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance. Nagpurians urge authorities to sustain enforcement and ensure Makar Sankranti celebrations remain safe for all.