Hubballi, October 23: Police across Hubballi are stepping up their efforts to prevent the sale of banned manja string after the tragic death of a woman who suffered fatal injuries when the sharp kite-flying thread got entangled around her neck as she was traveling on a scooter.
Police have searched a number of shops near Dharwad City Bus Stand Circle and have seized more than 500 rolls of prohibited manja string.
The tragic incident in Hubballi has raised the issue of sharp kite strings and the dangers of the two cities as people in Hubballi and Dharwad are very busy. The woman was travelling on a scooter when the manja string fell on her neck and she suffered serious injuries. She later died of her injuries.
The incident has raised the concern about the dangers of banned kite flying threads and the use of them in the vicinity of places where two-wheeler riders are prone to serious accidents.
Following the tragedy, Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner Bhushan G. Borase issued strict directions for the production, sale and use of manja string in the twin cities. The enforcement of the restrictions has been increased to ensure compliance and to prevent the dangerous product from entering the market. There was a recent raid around Dharwad City Bus Stand Circle where police searched to find shops selling the banned material. The seizure of over 500 rolls is a reminder for those who are selling the banned goods and to take such establishments to task to stop selling it.
Police have warned traders to stop selling banned manja string and said strict action will be taken against anyone who violates the restrictions. The crackdown is not only aimed at preventing further injuries but also to send a clear message that public safety cannot be compromised for commercial gain. The police will continue to monitor shops and other places where the dangerous thread can be sold. Residents are also advised to be wary and report suspected illegal sales to the police.
Manja string is traditionally associated with kite flying but some are made with abrasive materials (such as glass-coated or otherwise sharpened threads) which can cause deep cuts to human skin on contact. When such string stretches across roads or gets stuck in a moving car, it can be a serious hazard for riders and particularly for two-wheeler users. Neck and face cuts can be particularly serious because the riders may not see a nearly invisible thread until it is too late to react.
The danger does not stop when kite flying stops. Broken or abandoned strings can be suspended from trees, electricity poles, buildings and roadside structures and pose hazards to commuters, pedestrians and birds. So authorities have to work very hard to prevent the sale and use of dangerous manja and also to dispose of abandoned kite strings safely.
The Hubballi incident is a reminder that enforcing restrictions requires cooperation between police, shopkeepers and members of the public. Traders need to avoid selling prohibited products and consumers should look for safer alternatives for recreational kite flying. Parents and community groups also need to raise awareness about the dangers of dangerous kite strings, especially during times when kite flying is more common.
Hubballi, Karnataka: Commissioner of Police Bhushan Borase says, "Shrimati Vidya Manjunath works as a lab technician. She was going on a scooty, and this manja got entangled on her throat, and she has died. It's a very tragic incident. Yes, already we have sent our teams today, and we will book cases mercilessly. We'll not see whether he's a student, minor, or major—we are going to book the cases; let them face it in juvenile court if they're minors..."
— IANS (@ians_india) October 22, 2026
The seizure of over 500 rolls is an important enforcement action after the fatal accident. But sustained inspections and public cooperation will be required to prevent banned manja from returning to the market.
Now that the police have given strong warnings about violators and warned of imminent criminal action, focus will be on how continued enforcement will prevent the appearance of the dangerous kite strings and improve road safety in Hubballi and Dharwad. The tragic loss of life has also brought to light how important it is to be aware and responsible in order that no activities are a threat to public safety.
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