Pune: Banned Nylon Kite Manjha Causes Serious Injury to Singer
Pune Resident Urges Police To Act Against Illegal Nylon Manjha Sales
In a troubling incident that highlights the dangers of banned kite-flying materials, a young woman in Pune was seriously injured by nylon kite manjha. Mrigakshi Kulkarni, a 23-year-old professional singer and student from Katraj, suffered a deep wound on her neck, leading to significant blood loss and requiring 12 stitches. This incident occurred on December 21, 2024, and has left her struggling to continue her passion for music.
On that fateful afternoon, around 4:30 PM, Mrigakshi was riding her two-wheeler across Shankar Maharaj Bridge in the Dhankawadi area when she suddenly felt something constricting her neck. As she removed her scarf, she was shocked to find the nylon manjha and a considerable amount of blood on her hand. Thanks to the quick actions of bystanders, she was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care.
The manjha is so thin that it often becomes nearly invisible. After Mrigakshi was rushed to a nearby private hospital, she needed a blood transfusion and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two days. She underwent surgery, receiving 4 stitches internally and 8 on the outside. Since the incident, she has had trouble speaking and breathing, along with experiencing mental distress.
As a singer, Mrigakshi is struggling with her ability to perform. In an interview she expressed, “The manjha was impossible to see, and it caused me a lot of pain. This incident has affected me profoundly, both physically and mentally. I’m focusing on my recovery, as it has greatly impacted my singing career. With my next performance coming up on January 9th, I’m in a race against time to heal.”
Mrigakshi also urged, “As Makar Sankranti approaches, I ask everyone to be aware of this serious issue and to take extra precautions.”
This incident highlights the risks associated with kite flying during Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival in India celebrated in mid-January. The continued use of banned Chinese manja, which is glass-coated or metallic, is a major concern despite laws against it. This sharp thread, valued for its effectiveness in kite-cutting contests, poses serious dangers to both people and birds.
