Accidental cut throat injuries by kite-strings - A case series

Kite flying is a culturally significant activity in India, especially during festivals such as Makar Sankranti; however, the increasing use of glass-coated and synthetic kite strings (Manja threads) has emerged as a serious public safety hazard. These kite-strings possess high tensile strength and sharp cutting properties, causing severe incised injuries, particularly to the neck, which may be fatal. This case series describes three young men victims who sustained fatal cut-throat injuries following accidental contact with Manja threads while riding motorcycles. All cases showed deep incised wounds involving major blood vessels and/ or airway structures. Distinctive findings, including linear abrasions merging into incised wounds and characteristic clothing damage, supported the mechanism of injury. Such injuries simulate deliberate homicide or suicidal cut-throat wounds caused by sharp metallic weapons, posing diagnostic challenges. This case series will be helpful in differentiating between these injuries, which will be of vital importance for medico-legal investigation. Careful forensic evaluation and stricter enforcement of bans are essential to prevent such fatalities.