Bombay High Court Commends Nagpur Police for Seizing ₹6 Crore Nylon Manja
The Bombay High Court praises Nagpur Rural Police for uncovering a major nylon manja supply source, seizing materials worth over ₹6 crore.
Nagpur Rural Police traced a major nylon manja source in Silvassa, seizing over ₹6 crore worth of materials.
The High Court has directed similar investigations across 10 districts in Vidarbha by October 29.
Authorities have 15 days to properly dispose of the seized nylon manja to prevent it from re-entering circulation.
In a pivotal development in the crackdown on illegal nylon manja, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has commended the efforts of the Nagpur Rural Police. The police successfully traced a significant source of this hazardous kite string to a manufacturing unit in Silvassa, leading to the seizure of materials valued at over ₹6 crore. This commendation came during a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) hearing on Friday, where the court highlighted the importance of thorough investigations in addressing the nylon manja issue.
The court's praise follows its earlier displeasure expressed on October 12 regarding the lack of progress in identifying the supply networks for the banned material. A division bench, comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas, had previously demanded the names of officers responsible for the slow pace of the investigation. The recent police actions, prompted by fresh intelligence, have reportedly provided crucial leads in the ongoing inquiry.
In an affidavit presented to the court, the Superintendent of Police (Rural) detailed the raids conducted after receiving information about the supply chain, which ultimately led to the identification of the manufacturing unit in Silvassa. The affidavit also mentioned other potential sources that the police are now working to track down. The bench noted that the investigation exemplified the police's capability to address the core issues when they are committed to doing so.
The court has now instructed the police to extend their investigative efforts to the remaining 10 districts in Vidarbha, with a deadline set for October 29 to submit a comprehensive report. This directive aims to dismantle the supply chains responsible for distributing the dangerous nylon manja, which poses serious risks to wildlife and public safety. The court's intervention seeks to ensure that enforcement agencies not only focus on local seizures but also identify the manufacturers and suppliers behind the distribution of the hazardous material.
Additionally, the bench addressed the disposal of the seized nylon manja, previously raised by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The State Government informed the court that the confiscated materials had been crushed and are to be disposed of at a cement factory in Chandrapur. The authorities have been given 15 days to secure the necessary permissions and confirm the disposal process. The court also left open the possibility of action against police officers involved in the investigation, contingent on their performance in tracing the supply sources. The next hearing is scheduled for October 29, where the court will review the progress of the investigation and the disposal of the seized materials.
