Lucknow | 5 Feb 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced strict action against the use of banned Chinese ‘manjha’ after a fatal incident in Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that any future deaths caused by the synthetic kite string will be investigated as “murder,” signalling a tough stand against those selling or using it.

The decision comes after the death of 35-year-old Mohammad Shoaib, a medical representative, who lost his life when a nearly invisible ‘manjha’ slit his neck while he was riding his scooter on a flyover in Lucknow. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon on the flyover connecting Haiderganj intersection to the Talkatora Mill area. Shoaib was rushed to a trauma centre but could not survive his injuries.

According to police inspector Brajesh Kumar Singh of Bazarkhaala, Shoaib was heading to the market when the synthetic string got tangled around his neck on the slope of the flyover. The sharp pull caused a deep cut, leading him to lose control and fall. Shoaib is survived by his wife Fauzia, two young daughters and his mother. His father had passed away earlier.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns over the weak enforcement of the ban on Chinese ‘manjha’, which is prohibited under court orders and National Green Tribunal directions due to its threat to people, animals and the environment. Expressing strong displeasure, the Chief Minister has ordered large-scale raids across districts, seizure of stocks and a high-level review of the situation. Under existing laws, those caught selling or using the string can face up to five years in jail and heavy fines upto 1 lakh or more, and  additional punishment under animal cruelty laws if applicable.

UP Takes Tough Stand After Kite String Death, Chinese ‘Manjha’ Cases to Be Treated as “Murder”

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to act strictly against the banned Chinese ‘manjha’ after a tragic death in Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered that any future death caused by this dangerous kite string will be investigated as “murder”, sending a strong warning to sellers and users.

The decision follows the death of 35-year-old Mohammad Shoaib, a medical representative, who was riding his scooter when a synthetic ‘manjha’ slit his neck on a flyover linking Haiderganj to Talkatora Mill. The string was barely visible, and the sudden impact caused a deep injury, making him lose control of his vehicle.

Police said Shoaib was rushed to a trauma centre but could not be saved. He is survived by his wife Fauzia, two small daughters and his mother. The incident has shocked the city and highlighted the deadly risk posed by the banned string, which continues to be sold secretly despite strict orders.

Angered by the incident, the Chief Minister has ordered raids across the state to seize illegal stocks and stop sales. The use and trade of Chinese ‘manjha’ is already banned under court and NGT orders, with jail terms and heavy fines in place. Now, with deaths being treated as “murder”, the state aims to send a clear message that negligence will not be tolerated.