Nagpur Crime Branch seizes 360 bundles of banned nylon manja from auto, one held, two on the run

Nagpur: Cracking down on the illegal trade in banned nylon manja, the Nagpur Crime Branch has recovered 360 sealed bundles of the kite string from an auto-rickshaw in the Wathoda police station area. The seized goods, including the auto, are worth about Rs 14 lakh. The banned manja was being carried hidden in plastic sacks.

The auto driver, Sajid Ahmed Shakil Ahmed (28), a resident of Ansar Nagar, has been arrested. Two accused who supplied the nylon manja are absconding.

The Crime Branch's anti-vehicle theft team was patrolling the Wathoda police station area when it spotted the driver carrying plastic sacks in an auto near Ramnagiri, Bidgaon, on Symbiosis College Road. Police grew suspicious and searched the auto in the presence of independent witnesses (panchas).

During the search, large boxes were found inside the sacks. When the boxes were opened, they were found to be full of banned nylon manja. Police immediately seized the entire consignment and took the driver into custody. The 360 sealed bundles of nylon manja were valued at about Rs 10.80 lakh. An auto worth about Rs 3 lakh and a mobile phone were also seized. The total value of the seized goods has been put at Rs 13.90 lakh.

Police are now trying to trace the two other accused, who are suspected of supplying the banned manja. The investigation is seeking to establish where the manja was brought from, who it was meant for, and who else is involved in the illegal trade. A case has been registered at Wathoda police station under the relevant sections. The main focus of the probe is now the manja's supply chain and identifying the people active behind it.

The continued smuggling of nylon manja despite action by police and the courts has become a serious concern.