Barnala/Muktsar, Jan 24: Five people sustained injuries across Barnala and Muktsar after coming into contact with prohibited plastic kite strings during Basant Panchami celebrations on Friday. The incidents occurred despite a widespread crackdown by local authorities to curb the use of the dangerous material.
In Barnala, three individuals were hurt by the sharp “Chinese” string, with one victim suffering a severe laceration to the throat. Medical staff at the local facility provided initial treatment before referring him to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda for specialized care. Reports from the hospital indicated the victim required 12 stitches to close the wound.
The Barnala police moved quickly to address the illegal trade of the string following the mishaps. A department spokesperson noted that an FIR was registered against three individuals found selling the prohibited material. Officers confirmed that several spools of the plastic string were seized during the raids.
Muktsar district reported two similar cases involving the synthetic twine. A young man from Daula village was rushed to a clinic after the string sliced his neck, resulting in eight stitches. Another boy from Doda village was treated for a finger injury sustained in a separate kite-flying incident.
Local authorities in Bathinda took unique measures to prevent further accidents. Police teams utilized binoculars from high-altitude vantage points, including the historic fort, to monitor the skies and rooftops. SSP Jyoti Yadav led the surveillance effort to ensure compliance with the ban.
“Our teams are maintaining a constant vigil from various locations to identify those using the banned string,” a police official mentioned.
