A tragic incident in northeast Delhi’s Usmanpur area claimed the life of a five-year-old boy after a banned Chinese manjha—sharp, glass-coated kite string—slit his throat while he was travelling with his family on a motorcycle on Sunday. The accident occurred near Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, leaving the family devastated and prompting a police investigation into the source of the hazardous string.

According to police officials, the child was riding pillion with his family when the kite string, reportedly left hanging in the air, became entangled around his neck. The sharp coating on the Chinese manjha caused a deep injury within moments, leading to severe blood loss. The family immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital in an attempt to save his life.

Despite emergency medical intervention, the boy succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A senior police officer confirmed the death and stated that a case has been registered while further investigation is underway. Authorities are now trying to trace where the banned string originated and identify those responsible for its sale and distribution in the area.

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The incident has once again highlighted the persistent dangers posed by Chinese manjha, a synthetic kite string coated with powdered glass or metal. Although its use, sale, and storage are strictly prohibited in Delhi due to repeated cases of serious injuries and fatalities, enforcement challenges have allowed its circulation in certain markets.

Over the years, several similar accidents involving pedestrians, bikers, and even birds have been reported across the capital, raising concerns about public safety during kite-flying activities. The sharp string is particularly dangerous when left dangling from rooftops or kites stuck on power lines and trees, often becoming invisible to passersby until it is too late.

Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found manufacturing or selling Chinese manjha. However, despite periodic crackdowns and awareness campaigns, enforcement gaps continue to pose a challenge. The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger surveillance and stricter penalties to prevent such preventable tragedies in the future.

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