Nylon Manja Peddlers Thrive on Instagram: Deadly Trade Exposed

Peddlers of the government-banned nylon manja are reportedly using social media platforms like Instagram to directly procure the deadly kite-flying thread from suppliers in Delhi and northern states. This alarming practice was revealed following a significant raid by the Nagpur crime branch, which led to the recovery of 148 rolls of the banned material, valued at ₹1,48,000.

The use of nylon manja has resulted in tragic consequences, with six fatalities recorded in Nagpur since 2021. Recent incidents include motorcyclist deaths from throat slits and fatalities from falls while retrieving the string. The arrested peddler confessed that finding wholesalers on Instagram was as simple as searching keywords, with instant responses and courier deliveries arranged.

Authorities are now on high alert, with the Cyber Cell actively monitoring social media platforms for any advertisements or sales of the banned thread. As the festival of Makar Sankranti approaches, a surge in demand is anticipated, prompting police appeals for public cooperation in reporting any online promotion of nylon manja.