Noida biker at 80kmph dies after Chinese manjha slits his throat

A 25-year-old delivery agent died after a Chinese manjha slit his throat during a high-speed ride on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, according to police reports. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the biker, identified as Raviraj, was traveling with his friend Naresh on a motorcycle at speeds exceeding 80 km/h. The kite string, which is known for its strength and sharpness, struck Raviraj’s neck near the UP Gate, causing severe injuries. Despite efforts by passersby to provide aid, Raviraj was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Raviraj, a resident of Noida, was heading towards Ghaziabad with his friend Naresh, who was seated pillion. According to police, the accident happened around 2 pm near the Media House area. The manjha, a type of synthetic kite string often coated with glass or sharp materials, became entangled around Raviraj’s neck. As the bike continued at high speed, the string tightened and inflicted a deep wound on his throat. Naresh, who was riding behind, attempted to steer the vehicle to safety but was unable to prevent the fatal outcome. The police confirmed that the string remained lodged in Raviraj’s neck even after the bike came to a stop. Doctors at Max Hospital in Vaishali declared the man dead upon arrival. This incident has reignited discussions about the dangers posed by the illegal sale and use of Chinese manjha, a practice that has been repeatedly condemned by authorities. Despite bans imposed by courts and government orders, the trade persists, posing a serious threat to public safety. Authorities have noted that the string, which is significantly stronger and sharper than traditional cotton thread, poses a grave risk on highways and expressways. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway, where the incident took place, sees frequent traffic at high speeds, making such encounters particularly dangerous. In February, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that deaths caused by banned Chinese kite strings should be treated as murder, highlighting the severity of the issue. Law enforcement agencies have taken steps to address the problem. Over the past three weeks, police in Ghaziabad have arrested six individuals suspected of selling Chinese manjha. Most of these suspects reportedly sourced the strings from Delhi. During raids in Loni and Indirapuram, authorities recovered hundreds of rolls of the prohibited material. DCP Dhawal Jaiswal, overseeing operations in the region, mentioned that police are currently inspecting kite shops across the district and surrounding areas of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway to identify and apprehend sellers of the dangerous string. This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. In November 2022, a CBI officer named Gaurav Arora sustained a severe neck injury when a Chinese manjha sliced through his throat while cycling in Vijay Nagar. Though he survived after receiving approximately 50 stitches, the incident underscored the lethal potential of the banned string. Similar cases have been reported in recent months, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of existing regulations. The ongoing investigation into Raviraj’s death aims to determine whether any local residents were involved in the sale or distribution of the manjha. Police have not yet identified any suspects in connection with the incident, nor has a formal case been filed. However, the widespread circulation of an alleged video depicting the scene has drawn attention to the need for greater awareness and regulation. With the continued illegal trade of Chinese manjha, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to curb this hazardous activity.