Mon Feb 23 12:53:33 UTC 2026: Headline: Chennai Police Crack Down on Illegal Chinese Manja, Arrest Two
The Story:
The Tiruvottiyur police in Chennai have arrested two individuals, Venkatesan, 25, and Arun, 30, for violating the ban on Chinese manja, a sharp and dangerous kite-flying thread. The arrests, made on February 22, 2026, are part of a city-wide effort initiated by Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Arun to enforce the ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of manja due to its potential to cause severe injuries and fatalities to both people and birds.
Key Points:
- Two men, Venkatesan and Arun, were arrested in Tiruvottiyur for flying kites with banned Chinese manja.
- The arrests were made on February 22, 2026, following surveillance by police.
- Police seized 10 kites and 4 spools of manja thread.
- The accused confessed to purchasing the kites and manja online from a seller in another state.
- A city-wide ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of manja is in effect in Chennai, as ordered by Police Commissioner A. Arun.
Key Takeaways:
- Chennai police are actively enforcing the ban on Chinese manja to protect public safety and wildlife.
- The online sale of banned items poses a challenge to law enforcement efforts.
- The incident highlights the dangers associated with Chinese manja and the need for continued vigilance.
- Consumers should be aware of the legal restrictions and potential consequences of purchasing and using banned items.
First Piper 