Hyderabad: Ahead of the Sankranti festivities, the Hyderabad City Police have launched an intensive crackdown on the sale, storage, and transportation of the banned ‘Chinese Manja’. The special enforcement drive has resulted in massive seizures and the arrest of several offenders across the city. Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, addressed the media and emphasized that while Sankranti is a festival of joy and kite-flying, celebrations should not come at the cost of human or animal lives. He reminded citizens that the Government has imposed a complete ban on synthetic/nylon-coated Chinese Manja due to its life-threatening risks to people, birds, and the environment. “Despite the ban, illegal sales continue through hidden networks. There will be zero tolerance. Anyone caught selling, storing, or transporting Chinese Manja will face strict criminal action. Special enforcement teams have been deployed city-wide,” he said. The Commissioner also highlighted that some traders have shifted to online platforms to evade police surveillance. “We have implemented round-the-clock monitoring on e-commerce sites and social media. Strict legal action will be initiated against those involved in online sale or purchase of Chinese Manja,” he warned. Parents were urged to stay alert to the dangers posed by the metallic coating of Chinese Manja, which can cause deep cuts and even electric shocks. Citizens are advised to use only traditional cotton threads and report violations via Dial 100 or WhatsApp at 94906 16555. Enforcement Results (Till Date): The special drive has led to the registration of 103 cases and the arrest of 143 persons. A total of 6,226 bobbins of banned Chinese Manja, valued at Rs:1,24,52,000, have been seized. South West Zone: 34 cases, 46 arrests, 3,265 bobbins seized (Rs:65,30,000) South Zone: 27 cases, 35 arrests, 1,861 bobbins seized (Rs:37,22,000) East Zone: 18 cases, 29 arrests, seizures valued at Rs:6,02,000 South East Zone: 9 cases, 10 arrests Central Zone: 6 cases North Zone: 5 cases West Zone: 4 cases The Commissioner’s Task Force played a vital role in the operation, contributing to 67 cases, 87 arrests, and seizures worth Rs:68,78,000. Senior officials participated in the briefing. The Commissioner appreciated the efforts of all teams involved and presented cash awards to officers and staff for their exemplary work.