Belagavi police warn against use of ‘manja’ after 19-year-old dies in kite-string accident

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The Belagavi police have appealed to the public to refrain from using dangerous kite strings, including ‘manja’, during the Dasara festivities following the death of a 19-year-old youth whose neck was slit by a kite string while he was riding a motorcycle in the city on October 1.

Superintendent of Police K. Ramrajan said the incident was a reminder of the risks posed by manja, particularly during the festival season when kite-flying activities increase.

The deceased, identified as Dhruva Santosh Karjagi, was riding his motorcycle from the city centre towards his home in Mahantesh Nagar when the kite string became entangled around his neck while he was crossing the National Highway bridge in the Gandhi Nagar area.

The string caused a deep cut to his neck, resulting in severe bleeding. He fell from the motorcycle and died on the spot. A case has been registered at the Belagavi North Traffic Police Station.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Mr. Ramrajan said the death was a matter of concern and appealed to people to exercise caution while flying kites. “People should not allow festive celebrations to endanger the lives of others,” he said, urging kite flyers to give priority to safety.

He said the sale and use of manja had already been prohibited. The police would monitor shops and other outlets to prevent its sale during the festival season, he said.

“Traders should not sell manja and the public should not purchase it. Legal action will be taken if anyone is found selling the prohibited string,” Mr. Ramrajan said.

Belagavi City Corporation Mayor Preeti Kamkar expressed grief over Mr. Karjagi’s death and said the civic body would take steps to prevent the sale of manja within its jurisdiction.

She said strict action would be taken against shops found selling the prohibited kite string. Ms. Kamkar said she would instruct the municipal commissioner to conduct inspections of shops to check for the sale of manja.

The issue of preventing the sale and use of manja would also be discussed at the corporation council meeting and appropriate measures would be considered, she said.

The police and civic authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while flying kites and to avoid strings that could pose a danger to pedestrians, motorists, two-wheeler riders and birds.

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