Pune: Three individuals, including two senior citizens and a 12-year-old boy, were injured on Tuesday after being entangled in nylon kite strings, commonly known as "manja." While one of the senior citizens was treated and discharged, the other two victims are currently undergoing treatment at Sassoon General Hospital.
The victims have been identified as Devaram Dattatreya Kamthe (67), a resident of Purandar currently residing in Shivajinagar, Baban Divate (70), and Vandan Dethe (12).
According to reports, Kamthe was riding his two-wheeler around 5 p.m. near Shivajinagar Gaothan, heading toward Shaniwarwada, when a nylon string suddenly appeared in front of him. Acting quickly, he attempted to deflect the string with his hand but suffered cuts on his thumb and cheek. After receiving primary medical care, he was discharged.
In a separate incident, Baban Divate sustained a leg injury caused by the string, while 12-year-old Vandan Dethe suffered a serious injury to his tongue. Both were admitted to Sassoon General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
This is not the first time nylon kite strings have caused injuries in the city. In a tragic incident earlier, a young woman lost her life after her throat was slit by a nylon string near the Municipal Corporation Bridge. Several other cases of severe injuries caused by these strings have also been reported.
Residents and activists are now demanding strict action against sellers of nylon kite strings. They are urging the police and municipal authorities to impose harsher penalties and take measures to prevent the sale of such dangerous materials.
