Deadly kite string incidents reported from UP, Telangana and Rajasthan
January 15, 2026: The continued use of Chinese-manufactured kite strings, commonly known as Chinese manja, has triggered fresh concern after a series of fatal and near-fatal incidents across India. In Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur, Dr Sameer Hashmi, a practising physician, died after his neck was slashed by Chinese manja while riding his motorcycle near Prasad International School. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries, highlighting the lethal risks posed by the banned kite string.
Similar incidents have been reported from Telangana and Rajasthan, underscoring the widespread danger. In Hyderabad, a four-year-old child survived after sustaining around 20 cuts from manja, while a biker near the Ambarpete Flyover suffered serious neck injuries. An on-duty assistant sub-inspector in Nallakunta was also critically injured after his neck was cut by the string. In Rajasthan’s Sirohi, a seven-month-old infant suffered a nearly four-inch neck injury caused by Chinese manja and had to be rushed to a trauma centre for emergency treatment.
Chinese manja is coated with powdered glass and metallic substances, making it extremely dangerous to humans, birds and animals, especially when it comes in contact with moving vehicles or live electric wires. Despite bans and repeated warnings by authorities, its use continues, leading to recurring tragedies. Officials have once again urged strict enforcement of the ban, increased public awareness and greater caution during kite-flying to prevent further loss of life.