Shilpa Mahadik, 39, was <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-cops-crack-whip-on-manja-rule-violators-23329968" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">slashed across the chin</a> by glass-coated manja while riding a two-wheeler on the Vile Parle flyover on Monday. The woman, who was on her way to meet her mother, said she escaped with her life only because she happened to be wearing a helmet and scarf.&nbsp;
Officers attached to the Vakola traffic division rushed Mahadik to VN Desai hospital in Santacruz.
Recounting her ordeal, Mahadik, who works in a pharmaceutical firm, said, &ldquo;The pain is excruciating. I am unable to eat or drink anything. Please ban kite flying in Mumbai.&rdquo;
She added, &ldquo;I was riding towards Bandra to meet my mother. I was wearing a scarf and helmet. Around 3 pm, when I reached the Vile Parle flyover opposite the airport on the Western Express Highway, a <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/this-is-how-guj-cops-prevent-manja-deaths-will-mumbai-adopt-it-23329481" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">kite string</a> slashed my chin. A policeman stationed at the end of the bridge immediately rushed me to a hospital and I informed my family along the way.&rdquo;
<h2>&lsquo;Taken to hospital quickly&rsquo;</h2>
&ldquo;Thanks to the police, I was taken to the hospital immediately. The surgeon took two to three hours to complete the procedure. I received multiple stitches. The doctors advised complete rest for 15 days at least. I am unable to eat or drink anything. It&rsquo;s horrific to think about the incident. I was saved due to my scarf, which covered my entire face and neck,&rdquo; she said.
Mahadik requested the government to ban the flying of kites. &ldquo;It may be fun to fly kites, but the injuries sustained by those who are <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mumbai-police-registers-92-cases-seizes-1-43-lakh-worth-nylon-manja-in-city-23330068" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">injured by manja</a> are terrible. My wound is preventing me from speaking properly at present. Kite-fliers are endangering the lives of humans, birds and animals. This should stop,&rdquo; she said.
<h2>800 avians injured in 2 days</h2>
On January 14 and 15, manja claimed the lives of thousands of birds and more than 800 had to be treated by animal lovers across the city. More than 25 free bird medical camps were held by various organisations across the city. More than 500 birds in total have been rescued in Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivli and Malad. Mitesh Jain, honorary animal welfare officer of &nbsp;the Animal Welfare Board of India and trustee of Virar&rsquo;s Karuna Trust said, &ldquo;This is not the final toll. The real numbers will come out only after Makar Sankranti. We are taking the help of the fire brigade to rescue birds. Those that cannot fly are being kept at shelters for life.&rdquo;
A total of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-fatal-manja-mishap-claims-constables-life-23326537" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">18 birds were rescued</a> at the free bird medical camp in Virar. Of them, three pigeons died, three flew away after receiving first aid and the rest are undergoing treatment.
Due to campaigns by animal welfare organisations and bird lovers on social media platforms, awareness among the people has increased. This year fewer people are flying kites, according to NGOs.
3 pm Time when incident occurred on Monday
Jan 15 Day incident occurred
<h2>Spotted an injured bird? Here&rsquo;s who you can call</h2>
VIRAR Karuna Trust 9819477042/9273910004
VASAI Samkit Yuvak Mandal 9970111029/7798840165
MALAD Jivdaya Abhiyan 8828261212
VILE PARLE Vardhman Sanskar Dham 9820928457/9619725637
KANDIVLI Maa Foundation 8655370005
GRANT ROAD Bird Helpline 8655370005
MARINE LINES Shree Jain Alert Group 9323237582/7977353745/9869138767/9869388345/9619472708&nbsp;

Thanks cops for their timely help; meanwhile, manja injures 800 birds in two days

Mumbai: Manja slashes woman’s entire chin

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Mumbai: Manja slashes woman’s entire chin

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