Pune: Despite a High Court ban on nylon manja due to its hazardous effects on both humans and wildlife, its sale continues unchecked in Pune. On Saturday (January 12) , the Crime Branch and local police conducted a series of raids across nine locations, confiscating thousands of rupees worth of illegal nylon manja.
The use of nylon manja has led to numerous incidents of injuries to motorcyclists, and its sharp strings pose severe risks to birds. Over the past five years, 4,082 cases of birds being entangled in nylon manja have been reported. These concerns have led to its prohibition, yet illegal sales remain rampant.
Major Raids and Seizures
Warje Malwadi: Police raided Gayatri General Stores on Ramnagar Canal Road, apprehending Saurabh Santosh Pashte (18) and Yash Nilesh Petkar (20) with 45 spools of nylon manja.
Sinhagad Road: Based on a tip-off, police apprehended Yogesh Shatrughna Shah (20) near Nevase Hospital, seizing 11 spools worth ₹6,500.
Yerawada: Crime Branch Unit 4 confiscated four spools worth ₹3,200 from Deepa Shinde (37) at Shelar Chawl.
Taljai Pathar: Acting on information, a minor was caught with spools of nylon manja worth ₹4,500 by Unit 1 of the Crime Branch.
Mitra Mandal Chowk: Two individuals, Shashank Chandrappa Dhangar (19) and Rohit Ram Shinde (34), were apprehended with six spools worth ₹4,800.
Aundh: Chatuhshrungi police seized 11 spools worth ₹13,200 from Rupesh Nitin Salunkhe near the mosque bus stop.
Pashan-Sus Road: Baner police caught Vivek Suresh Solanki (19) selling three spools worth ₹4,500 at Sai Chowk.
Katraj: A minor was apprehended at Bhagwa Chowk for selling nylon manja.