An Indian Eagle Owl suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled in a nylon kite string (manja) in the Gandhari area. Local snake rescuer Dinesh Dhangar rescued the bird, which had a broken wing with exposed bone due to the sharp string.

Wildlife researcher Suhas Pawar confirmed that the owl received primary treatment and was later transferred to a shelter centre in Murbad. The rescue effort was coordinated by Dhangar and Narendra Bhiwandikar, under the guidance of the local forest department and an honorary wildlife keeper.

The use of nylon or Chinese manja, often coated with glass powder, poses severe risks to both humans and animals. Despite being banned by the Maharashtra government, these strings are often sold covertly. They can cause fatal injuries to birds when they get tangled in their wings or necks, as well as accidents involving humans, such as bikers who have died from strings slashing their throats.

Authorities have urged citizens to report the sale or use of banned manja to the local police or forest department. Complaints can be made via the forest department’s toll-free number, Hello Forest 1926, or with the help of bird-watching groups.