In a significant crackdown on the dangerous practice of kite flying, the Market Police in Hyderabad conducted a major operation, leading to the recovery of a massive haul of banned kite-flying materials. The action was taken under the special directives of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hyderabad and in accordance with Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which has been imposed by the district administration.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Haul
According to details provided by a police spokesperson, the operation was launched based on a specific tip-off. A team from Market Police carried out a raid near Meeran School, located in the Hirabad area of the city. At the location, they spotted a man who was waiting for transport while in possession of a large quantity of kite-flying material.
The suspect was identified as Raees, a resident of Afandi Town, who reportedly owns a shop at Qila Chowk. However, as the police approached, Raees managed to escape from the scene, abandoning the contraband materials.
Massive Quantity of Banned Materials Recovered
Left behind by the fleeing suspect was a substantial cache of items strictly prohibited under the current ban. The police successfully recovered nine cartons containing a total of 9,900 kites. More alarmingly, they also confiscated three plastic bags filled with chemically treated kite string, commonly known as 'manjha'.
This chemically coated thread is notoriously dangerous, causing severe injuries and even fatalities to pedestrians, motorcyclists, and birds every year during the kite-flying season. Its sale and use are a primary target of police crackdowns.
Ongoing Enforcement Under Section 144
The entire operation was conducted under the legal umbrella of Section 144 of the CrPC, which empowers district administrations to issue urgent orders in public interest. The district administration of Hyderabad has imposed this section to ban kite flying, manufacturing, and sale due to the associated life-threatening risks.
This raid underscores the police department's commitment to enforcing the ban rigorously. Such actions aim to prevent accidents and loss of life caused by metal or chemical-coated strings and ensure public safety on the roads and in residential areas.
The police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations to apprehend the absconding suspect, Raees, and possibly uncover the supply chain of these banned materials in the city.
