A horrifying incident in Punjab's Gurdaspur district has once again spotlighted the lethal threat posed by Chinese kite strings, commonly known as 'China dor'. A young motorcyclist sustained serious, disfiguring injuries after the razor-sharp string slashed across his face, an attack that could have been fatal if not for his turban.
Sunday Ride Turns Into a Nightmare
The victim, identified as Jatinder Singh from Pandher village, was on his way to Gurdaspur town around 4 pm on Sunday. His mission was to collect medicine for his brother. As he rode near the Aujla bypass, an almost invisible China dor string suddenly came across his path. There was no time to react.
The impact was immediate and brutal. The high-tension, coated string acted like a blade, causing deep cuts on his forehead, nose, and eyebrow. The force of the collision left him bleeding profusely on the road, with no immediate assistance available, according to accounts from his friends who later spoke to the media.
Turban Acts as a Lifesaver
Friends rushed the injured Jatinder Singh to a nearby hospital. Given the severity of his wounds, he was soon referred to a private medical facility for advanced treatment. There, doctors worked to mend the damage, administering a staggering 35 stitches to his face.
Medical professionals who treated him revealed a crucial detail: Jatinder's turban likely saved his life. The traditional headgear absorbed some of the impact and prevented the sharp string from causing even more severe, potentially fatal injuries to his neck or head.
Police Case Filed, Danger Exposed Again
Following the incident, the local police have taken action by registering a case against two shopkeepers. While the specifics of the charges are not detailed in initial reports, such cases are often filed for selling or flying these banned, dangerous strings.
This latest episode in Gurdaspur is not an isolated one. It has exposed, yet again, the grave and ongoing public safety hazard created by the use of Chinese manja or China dor. Despite bans and awareness campaigns, these strings, designed for strength and sharpness to cut other kites, continue to main and kill people and animals every year, especially during the kite-flying season.
