Two persons arrested for flying kites using banned manja in Tiruvottiyur

The Tiruvottiyur police have arrested two persons for flying kites using the Chinese manja, which has been banned due to its sharp nature that causes deep cuts and, in many cases, fatalities to road users and birds.

Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Arun had issued standing orders banning the manufacture and sale of kites with manja thread, as well as the flying of kites using the thread, within the limits of Chennai city.

Police teams, led by inspectors, have been monitoring their respective jurisdictions and taking action against those manufacturing, selling, or using manja for kite-flying. In continuation of this enforcement and based on specific information, a police team conducted surveillance on Sunday (February 22) near Gandhi Nagar Main Road in Tiruvottiyur. They apprehended two persons who were flying kites using the banned thread and seized the kites.

The accused — Venkatesan, 25, and Arun, 30, both residents of Tiruvottiyur — were arrested. The police seized 10 kites and four spools containing manja thread from them. During inquiry, it was revealed that the accused had purchased the kites and manja thread online from a seller from another State.