Karnataka biker's throat slit by kite string, dies after frantic call to daughter

A 48-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in Karnataka’s Bidar district after a kite-flying string, commonly known as manjha, caused a deep cut to his throat while he was riding near Talamadagi Bridge on Wednesday. The incident occurred amid ongoing Makar Sankranti celebrations.

The victim, identified as Sanjukumar Hosamani, collapsed after the taut kite string stretched across the road sliced into his neck, leaving him critically injured. Despite severe bleeding, Hosamani managed to dial his daughter’s number moments before losing consciousness, a distressing scene captured in a video that has since surfaced.

Passersby attempted to help by placing cloth on the wound to stop the bleeding. Locals said an ambulance was called immediately, but it arrived after a significant delay. Hosamani succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could reach him.

Following the incident, relatives and local residents protested at the accident site, blaming delayed emergency response and poor enforcement of the ban on nylon kite strings. They claimed timely medical aid could have saved Hosamani’s life.

Police have registered a case at Manna Ekhelli Police Station and launched an investigation. Authorities said the use of nylon manjha is prohibited, but enforcement challenges continue as such deadly incidents recur during festival seasons.