Chinese manja worth ₹31,500 seized by Sanand police, teenager detained

As part of intensified enforcement ahead of Uttarayan in Ahmedabad, Sanand police have seized a large quantity of banned Chinese kite string and a vehicle used for its transportation, registering a case against the alleged supplier for violating the District Magistrate’s prohibitory orders, officials said.

As per the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Sanand Police Station, the seizure was made on January 3, 2025, following a tip-off during routine patrol. Police teams intercepted a Hyundai car near Sanand Padhara Society and found 65 reels of prohibited Chinese kite string concealed inside the vehicle.

The accused detained on the spot was identified as Krish Mukeshbhai Patel (19), a resident of Sanand. During questioning, Patel allegedly told police that the consignment had been ordered from Mitrajsinh Chawda, a resident of Modasar village in Sanand taluka, who was not present at the scene and is currently absconding.

Police said the seized material included 45 reels of Mono Sky brand, valued at ₹22,500, and 20 reels of Welyn Mono brand, valued at ₹14,000, totalling Rs 36,500. The car used for transportation, valued at approximately ₹5 lakh, was also seized, taking the total value of seized property to ₹5.36 lakh.

“The possession, transport and sale of Chinese kite string is prohibited under the District Magistrate’s notification issued ahead of Makar Sankranti, due to the threat it poses to human, birds and animals,” a police officer said, adding that the notification had been widely publicised through newspapers and television channels.

A case has been registered under Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience of lawful orders promulgated by a public servant. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the supplier and identify the source of the banned material.