Hyderabad, Jan.8 (RAHNUMA): City Police have intensified a special enforcement drive against the banned Chinese Manja ahead of the Sankranti festival, leading to the seizure of contraband worth Rs.1.24 crore and the arrest of 143 persons across Hyderabad.
Addressing media persons here, Hyderabad police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar reiterated ‘zero tolerance’ towards the illegal sale, storage and transportation of the synthetic kite string (Chinese Manja), citing its serious threat to human life, birds, and the environment. Strict criminal action would be taken against the offenders, including those operating through online platforms, he warned.
Sajjanar reiterated that the Government has imposed a complete ban on Chinese Manja due to the grave threat it poses to humans, birds, and the environment. “Despite the ban, illegal sales are being carried out clandestinely. There will be zero tolerance. Anyone found selling, storing, or transporting Chinese Manja will face immediate criminal action. Special teams have been deployed across the city”, the Commissioner warned.
As part of the drive, police registered 103 cases and seized 6,226 bobbins of banned manja. The South West Zone topped violations with 34 cases and seizures worth Rs.65.3 lakh, followed by the South Zone with Rs.37.22 lakh worth of contraband. The Commissioner’s Task Force alone accounted for 67 cases and seizures valued at Rs.68.78 lakh.
As some traders are attempting to evade enforcement by shifting to online platforms, he said, “We have put in place round-the-clock surveillance on e-commerce platforms and social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the online sale or purchase of Chinese Manja.”
The commissioner cautioned the parents about the dangers of the metallic coating on Chinese Manja, which can cause severe injuries and even electric shocks, particularly to children. He urged the citizens to use only traditional cotton kite strings and report violations via 100 or WhatsApp 94906 16555, stressing that festive celebrations must not endanger lives.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes & SIT) M. Srinivasulu, DCPs Khare Kiran Prabhakar, G. Chandra Mohan, Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, Additional DCP (Task Force) Ande Srinivas Rao, and other senior officials were present. On the occasion, the police commissioner congratulated the officers and staff for their efforts and presented them with cash awards.
