Thanks cops for their timely help; meanwhile, manja injures 800 birds in two days
Shilpa Mahadik, the 39-year-old victim
Shilpa Mahadik, 39, was slashed across the chin 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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, “The pain is excruciating. I am unable to eat or drink anything. Please ban kite flying in Mumbai.”
She added, “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 kite string 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.”
‘Taken to hospital quickly’
“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’s horrific to think about the incident. I was saved due to my scarf, which covered my entire face and neck,” she said.
Mahadik requested the government to ban the flying of kites. “It may be fun to fly kites, but the injuries sustained by those who are injured by manja 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,” she said.
800 avians injured in 2 days
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 the Animal Welfare Board of India and trustee of Virar’s Karuna Trust said, “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.”
A total of 18 birds were rescued 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
Spotted an injured bird? Here’s who you can call
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
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
