Youth’s throat slashed by Chinese Manja in Chhindwara:String lying on road causes bike accident; shoulder bone and ribs fractured, 14 stitches required

The incidents of common citizens getting injured by the banned Chinese Manja continue to surface across Madhya Pradesh.
In a serious accident, a young man’s throat was severely cut by Chinese manja lying on the road at Guraiya Bypass in Chhindwara district on Monday evening. The victim also suffered a broken shoulder bone and a fractured rib after falling from his motorcycle. The injured youth has been admitted to the ICU of a private hospital, where his condition remains critical. Manja entangled around neck while riding According to police sources, Rahul Batti (24) was on his way to pick up his father, Ramdayal Batti, when he came in contact with Chinese manja scattered on the road. The string wrapped tightly around his neck, causing a deep cut. Rahul lost balance and fell off his bike, resulting in serious bone injuries. 14 stitches after emergency surgery Hospital doctor Manan Gogia said Rahul sustained a deep neck wound with internal blood clotting. An emergency surgery was performed late at night, during which 14 stitches were required. Doctors said the injury is serious and treatment may take a long time. Previous incidents raise alarm Earlier, a man returning from work in Chandan village had his throat caught in Chinese manja and required 43 stitches. In another incident, a 9-year-old child playing outside his house had his ear partially severed by the same string and needed five stitches to reattach it. Questions raised over administrative action Despite repeated accidents, the sale and use of Chinese manja have not been effectively curbed in the district. Questions are now being raised over the administration’s enforcement efforts. Residents have demanded strict action against the sale and use of this life-threatening kite string to prevent further tragedies. Culpable homicide cases ordered in Manja-related deaths Taking serious note of deaths caused by Chinese manja, the High Court has adopted a tough stance. During a recent hearing, the court said it was unfortunate that fatal incidents continue despite a ban and stressed the need for strict enforcement. The court ordered that if a death occurs due to Chinese manja, a case of culpable homicide under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) must be registered against the responsible person. Parents to be held responsible if minors are involved The High Court clarified that anyone found selling or using Chinese manja will face direct criminal action. If minors are caught using the banned string, their parents will be held legally responsible, and cases will be registered against them. Three deaths reported in Indore The court noted that three people have died in Indore in recent months due to Chinese manja. Several others have been injured, and a large number of birds have also been killed after getting entangled in the strings. With Makar Sankranti on 14 January, when kite flying increases, the court warned of the heightened risk of major accidents. Government claims awareness drive underway The state government informed the court that, along with enforcing the ban, a large-scale public awareness campaign is being conducted to educate people about the dangers of Chinese manja. Action is also being taken to stop its sale, and special equipment is being used to prevent accidents. The High Court had earlier issued clear directions on 11 December 2025 for Indore and surrounding districts. Woman lawyer shares personal ordeal During the hearing, advocate Kavita Uike shared her own experience, stating that her throat was also cut by Chinese manja. She survived by breaking the string with her hands, which left her palm severely injured. The court expressed sympathy and directed the government to take even stricter action.