Pune: A 25-year-old man sustained injuries to his throat and fingers on Sunday (December 8) afternoon when an illegal nylon kite string, also known as Chinese manja, slashed him while riding a two-wheeler. The incident occurred near Dias Plot Colony in the Market Yard area.

The victim, Hrishikesh Waghmode, a resident of Bharati Vidyapeeth, was on his way to Market Yard for official work when the incident occurred.

As he was crossing a bridge near Dias Plot Colony, he felt a sharp cut across his neck. Upon realizing it was a kite string, he tried to remove it, injuring his fingers in the process.

Bystanders quickly came to his aid and rushed him to the hospital, where he received stitches and was discharged after treatment.

The sale and use of nylon and Chinese kite strings have been banned under law due to their potential to cause severe injuries and even fatalities.

However, as the Sankranti festival approaches, reports of their availability and use emerge in various parts of the city.

These strings pose a grave threat not only to humans but also to birds, many of which get fatally entangled.

Local citizens have repeatedly urged authorities to enforce the ban more rigorously and take stringent action against those selling or using these hazardous materials.