Ludhiana Teenager's Tragic Death Highlights Persistent Sale of Banned China Dor
The heartbreaking death of a 15-year-old student in Ludhiana has brought renewed attention to the dangerous and illegal trade of China dor, a banned kite string that continues to be sold secretly despite official prohibitions. The incident has raised serious questions about enforcement effectiveness and community safety.
Underground Network of Secret Sales
Sources from Samrala, Khanna, and Jagraon areas have confirmed that China dor remains available through discreet channels. According to a source from Samrala, where the tragic incident occurred, shopkeepers continue selling the banned string by hiding it in adjacent godowns, back rooms, or even their own residences to avoid detection.
The sellers have developed sophisticated methods to evade authorities, only providing the string to trusted customers who they believe won't report them to police. Prices range between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per spool depending on the string's strength, indicating a thriving underground market driven by persistent demand.
Community Outcry and Administrative Challenges
Harchand Singh, sarpanch of Rohlan village and father of deceased Taranjot Singh, expressed frustration that "the sale of China dor has certainly not stopped and continues to take place secretly." He emphasized that administration officials know the individuals involved but haven't taken sufficient action.
A social worker from Machhiwara revealed that even children know where to procure China dor for kite flying, questioning why authorities with greater resources cannot identify sellers. The situation has become an open secret within communities, with residents expressing disbelief at the lack of decisive action.
Innovative Distribution Methods and Enforcement Gaps
Sources described modern distribution methods including WhatsApp orders and home deliveries, making detection more challenging. One social worker criticized current enforcement approaches, stating that "raids conducted with vehicles fitted with hooters will not be effective" against secret operations.
Advocate Gagan Sharma, a social activist from Samrala, stressed the need for urgent action against both sellers and buyers, noting that shopkeepers continue sales for profit while innocent people and birds pay the price.
Police Response and Technological Measures
Khanna SSP Darpan Ahluwalia detailed police efforts including flag marches with public address systems to create awareness about the High Court and National Green Tribunal bans. Police have deployed innovative measures including:
- Drone teams with high-resolution cameras to monitor rooftop kite fliers
- Five dedicated teams inspecting specific shops based on intelligence
- Personnel in civil clothes conducting discreet checks
- Rooftop inspections in densely populated areas
The police action follows an earlier incident where Khanna police arrested a delivery boy with approximately 40 spools of China dor, suggesting organized home delivery networks.
Cultural Factors and Seasonal Challenges
A person familiar with the kite business explained that demand persists because China dor's glass and chemical coating makes it sharper than cotton thread, giving users competitive advantage in cutting opponents' strings. Kite fliers consider it a matter of prestige to defeat rivals, fueling continued demand despite the ban.
With the kite-flying season continuing until late February, sources emphasize the need for sustained enforcement rather than temporary measures following tragedies. The community remains concerned that without consistent action, similar incidents may occur during the remaining season.
The Tragic Incident Details
Taranjot Singh, 15, of Rohlan village lost his life while his cousin Prabhjot Singh was critically injured when China dor struck them near Chehlan village. The students were returning from school in Samrala when the incident occurred. Harchand Singh lamented that despite making regular announcements in his village about the dangers of China dor, the tragedy still occurred.
The incident has deeply shaken the Ludhiana community, highlighting the urgent need for more effective enforcement, stricter penalties, and community awareness to prevent further tragedies involving the banned kite string.
