Gandhinagar: As Uttarayan 2026 approaches, the illegal trade of Chinese kite string has surged across Gujarat. Following strict directions from the Gujarat High Court, police teams statewide have intensified crackdowns on those selling the banned material. On Monday, Gandhinagar police seized 960 reels of Chinese kite string worth approximately Rs 2.88 lakh from Bilodara village in Mansa, where a trader had concealed the contraband among castor crops in his field.
String hidden between castor plants
A Mansa police patrol team received intelligence that Dalpuji Thakor, a resident of Bilodara village, was openly selling Chinese kite string from a farm located near the Chadasana road off the Mehsana-Himmatnagar highway. Officers rushed to survey number 361, where they discovered approximately 20 plastic cartons hidden among castor plants. The cartons contained 960 reels of Chinese kite string valued at Rs 2.88 lakh, which police have confiscated.
Accused gives police the slip
Despite acting on specific information, the accused managed to escape before police could apprehend him, raising questions about the operation’s execution. Authorities have registered a case against Dalpuji Thakor under sections 223 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which pertain to the production and sale of banned nylon and synthetic string materials. Police continue to enforce strict action against the manufacture and sale of prohibited kite string ahead of the festival.
High Court takes tough stance
On December 26, the Gujarat High Court reviewed the state government’s enforcement efforts regarding banned nylon and Chinese manja (kite string) ahead of Uttarayan 2026. The court issued strict orders for stringent action against anyone involved in the sale, storage, or use of Chinese string and other lethal materials such as prohibited fireworks. All district police chiefs were directed to submit day-to-day reports on enforcement activities related to banned items.
Statewide crackdown underway
According to an affidavit submitted in court, police registered 59 cases related to the production, sale, storage, or use of prohibited materials between November 21 and December 10, 2025. Authorities have seized over 12,066 units of banned string and related materials including reels, spools, bobbins, tailors, and cut strings—worth approximately Rs 36.80 lakh. Additionally, 73 accused persons have been arrested across the state in connection with the illegal trade.
Gandhinagar Police seize 960 reels of banned Chinese manja worth Rs 2.88 lakh in Mansa raid. Trader hid stocks in castor field; accused Dalpuji Thakor absconding.
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