SANGAREDDY — A festive atmosphere turned somber in Telangana’s Sangareddy district on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after a 38-year-old farm labourer died in a horrific kite-flying accident. The victim, a native of Uttar Pradesh, had his throat slit by a stray kite string while riding his two-wheeler.
The incident has sparked fresh alarm across the state, occurring despite rigorous enforcement by police to prevent such fatalities during the peak of the kite-flying season.
1. Details of the Fatal Accident
The victim was traveling through Fasalwadi village on Wednesday morning to purchase vegetables when he encountered the stray string.
- The Incident: As he was riding, a kite string hanging across the road entangled his neck. The tension from the moving vehicle caused a deep laceration, leading to immediate and severe bleeding.
- Medical Response: Passersby rushed the man to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of the injury.
- Scientific Investigation: While many such deaths are linked to ‘Chinese Manja,’ preliminary checks suggest this may have been traditional cotton string. Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj stated, “Prima facie, it does not appear to be ‘Chinese manja’; however, we will seek expert opinion and investigate scientifically.”
2. Enforcement and the ‘Chinese Manja’ Menace
The tragedy comes amidst a massive police crackdown on the sale of synthetic or nylon threads, popularly known as ‘Chinese Manja.’ * The Ban: The Telangana government banned the string in 2016 because it is non-biodegradable and razor-sharp, posing a lethal threat to humans and wildlife.
- Recent Seizures: In the last 30 days alone, Hyderabad and district police have registered over 100 cases, arrested multiple vendors, and seized large stockpiles of the banned thread.
- Strict Penalties: Authorities reminded the public that the sale and use of nylon manja is a criminal offense, carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
3. Rising Casualties During the Festive Week
This is not an isolated incident. Over the past few days, separate reports from the city indicate that a police official and another citizen sustained throat injuries under similar circumstances. The surge in cases has prompted authorities to issue a safety advisory for two-wheeler riders.
Safety Tip: Riders are encouraged to wear high-collared jackets, scarves, or install “U-shaped” safety guards on their handles to deflect low-hanging kite strings.