Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh): Several people were injured in Ratlam due to Chinese kite string on Rakshabandhan, Saturday (August 9).
One of the injured was Jitendra Prajapat of Bangrod, who suffered a deep cut on his throat and had to get stitches.
Sameer’s neck was badly hurt as the string cut through his windpipe and muscles.
Anand Gosar, who was riding with his wife, got injuries on his neck and fingers. All victims were treated at the district hospital. Many such cases were reported across the city.
Despite a ban issued by collector Rajesh Batham on Friday under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023, the sale and use of Chinese and nylon ‘manjha’ continued in the city.
The collector’s order stated that anyone found violating this rule would face legal action. Police also issued helpline numbers 7049162265 and 7049127466 to report the sale or use of such strings.
In this regard, acting on information from revenue inspector Tarun Sanghvi, officials raided Tata Nagar Main Road and seized 24 ‘chakris’ of Chinese string worth Rs 6,000. A young man and a woman from Street number 6 were booked by Deendayal Nagar Police under relevant sections of the BNS.
BJP Sports Cell state coordinator Yatendra Bhardwaj had earlier warned the administration and demanded a strict ban, highlighting injuries from the past two years. He criticised the lack of on-ground action despite official orders.
In Ratlam, kite flying on Rakhi is a major tradition. Kite shops attract large crowds, especially children and youth. In recent years, the use of Chinese string has increased.
This string is extremely sharp and dangerous — not only to people but also to birds. Even before the festival, there were repeated demands to stop its sale. Yet, despite the ban, it was openly sold in many parts of the city, putting many lives at risk, said officials.
