Jammu, August 21, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday intensified its crackdown on the illegal sale and possession of banned Chinese manjha (gattu), seizing around 100 rolls of the hazardous synthetic thread and apprehending four persons, including a juvenile, in two separate operations in Jammu city.
According to a police spokesperson, personnel from Police Post Narwal acted on reliable information and apprehended a juvenile. During the investigation, police recovered and seized 70 rolls of banned Chinese plastic manjha from the vehicle allegedly being used by the juvenile.
Three More Held Near Bantalab
In a separate operation, police arrested three persons and recovered another 28 rolls of banned Chinese gattu thread from their possession.
The accused were identified as Taksham Jawalia of Patoli Brahmna, Shubam Gupta of Machine Domana and Sahil Kumar of Patoli Brahmna, Jammu.
Police said the trio were intercepted near Bantalab while travelling on a motorcycle following information about the illegal sale of the prohibited thread. A search of the motorcycle allegedly led to the recovery of the 28 rolls.
Serious Threat to Public Safety
Authorities have prohibited the sale, storage and use of Chinese manjha because of the serious risks posed by the sharp and non-biodegradable synthetic thread.
The hazardous material can cause severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities to pedestrians, motorcyclists and children. It also poses a significant danger to birds and other animals.
Jammu Police has registered two separate cases in connection with the recoveries and initiated further investigation to establish the source and intended distribution network of the banned thread.
Police reiterated that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in the possession, sale, supply and distribution of Chinese gattu/manjha and urged people to avoid using the hazardous thread in the interest of public and animal safety.
