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Hubballi : A 38-year-old woman riding a motorcycle died after a manja (kite string) slit her throat near Shivankar Colony on Karwar Road in Hubballi on Thursday afternoon. The incident comes days after a person suffered a neck injury due to manja, while a 19-year-old student died after his throat was slit by kite string in Belagavi. The incident has renewed concerns among motorists, particularly as kite flying has been reported in several parts of the twin cities. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
She fell from the motorcycle and died from severe bleeding, police said. Police said cases would be registered against sellers as well as those found flying kites using the string. Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner Bhushan Borase said police had conducted an awareness campaign against manja last week, but would now focus on enforcement. I have instructed crime branch officers and other staff to raid shops or houses where manja is being sold secretly and register cases against sellers,” he said. Borase said police would also keep a watch on people flying kites with manja and initiate action against violators. The commissioner said he would hold talks with corporation officials to remove kites and strings hanging from trees and electricity cables to prevent further incidents. Police have also learnt that some people are procuring manja online and are exploring measures to curb such purchases, Borase said.
Police identified the deceased as Vidya Goudar, a resident of Beeraband oni, Old Hubballi and a lab technician. She was riding home for lunch when a manja string hanging from a tree got entangled around her neck, causing a deep cut. Following Thursday’s death, Hubballi-Dharwad police have decided to intensify action against the sale and use of manja. Parents could also face action if minors are caught using manja. “We are extremely shocked. Cases could be registered even if minors were found using the string, with parents also being held responsible, he added. He appealed to residents to inform police about manja use in their localities, assuring them that their identities would be protected. Download the TOI App.