Fatal Wounds by "Manja" to a Motorbike Rider in Motion

Abstract

"Kite fights" are quite popular throughout Asia. Most kite variations, including the fighter kites of India, Pakistan, and Japan, are small, flat, roughly diamond-shaped kites composed of paper, with a tapered bamboo spine and a balanced bow. They are flown with the help of a "Manja," which is a thread made of cotton or nylon, and coated with fine glass powder using glue and other chemical adhesives to cut down opponent's kite string. The nylon "Manja" is particularly more dangerous, as it not only cuts down opponent's kite string but also causes bodily injuries to humans, which may be at times fatal. The pattern of injuries by Manja is underreported in literature. In the present case, the deceased had encountered fatal injuries by "Manja" while riding on his motorbike. This case discusses the pattern of injuries caused by Manja when the victims are in motion on their two-wheelers.

Keywords: Manja; forensic science; incision; kite; motorbike rider; nylon.