Representative image showing kite 'manja'.
Credit: iStock Photo
Indore: A decision was taken on Thursday to fine three policemen for dereliction of duty in connection with the death of a 20-year-old student after his throat got slit by 'manja' (kite string) on Makar Sankranti on January 14, an official said.
Motorcyclist Himanshu Solanki died under Dwarkapuri police station limits after the injury left him bleeding profusely.
The kin of Solanki, a second-year BA student at a local college, claimed he died due to the banned 'Chinese manja'.
The deceased's family also alleged they visited three police stations to report the matter but personnel made them delete mobile phone videos showing the 'manja'.
"Based on an inquiry report of an assistant commissioner of police, a decision was taken to fine Dwarkapuri police station in-charge Inspector Ashish Sapre Rs 5000 for negligence in duty. Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Kamlesh Dabar and head constable Pratap Patel have been fined Rs 1,000 each," the official said.
A major attraction of Makar Sankranti festivities has been the flying of kites.
However, despite a ban, many of those taking part in kite flying activities use nylon 'manja' or kite string reinforced with glass and other sharp objects, which result in grievous injuries to people and animals as well as death.