Retired Army Veteran Suffers Severe Facial Injuries in Lucknow Kite String Mishap
In a distressing recurrence of violence from banned kite strings, a retired army personnel was seriously injured on Shaheed Path in Lucknow on Thursday. This alarming incident occurred merely a day after a 35-year-old medical representative tragically lost his life under similar circumstances when his throat was slit by a kite string.
Details of the Terrifying Ordeal
Brijesh Rai, a resident of Arjunganj and a retired Army man currently employed at the Kalyan Singh Cancer Institute in Sushant Golf City, was returning home from duty on his scooter. According to police reports and family members, a sharp Chinese kite string lying across the road suddenly became entangled around his mouth and face. The impact was immediate and brutal.
The glass-coated string, commonly known as manja, inflicted deep cuts on his jaw and face, severely severing his lip. Rai lost balance and fell onto the road, bleeding profusely from the wounds. Quick-thinking passers-by rushed to his aid, providing immediate assistance and informing the police about the emergency.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
A police team promptly reached the location and coordinated to shift the injured veteran to Command Hospital for urgent medical care. Doctors attending to Rai confirmed that he sustained deep facial and jaw injuries, requiring nearly 30 stitches to close the lacerations. After receiving primary treatment, he was later discharged from the hospital and is currently in recovery at home.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as unfolding within mere seconds. "He suddenly lost control and fell. When we reached him, his face was covered in blood. We called the police and ambulance immediately," recounted a local commuter who stopped to help. The swift response from bystanders likely prevented further complications.
Growing Public Outcry Over Banned Kite Strings
This incident has sparked renewed concern among residents about the persistent availability and use of these deadly kite strings, despite official bans. "Despite the ban, these deadly kite strings are still easily available. It is becoming risky even to ride on main roads," expressed a concerned passer-by, highlighting the pervasive danger.
The use of Chinese manja, coated with glass or metal to enhance cutting ability, has been prohibited due to its lethal nature. However, enforcement challenges continue to allow its circulation, leading to repeated accidents that endanger lives on public roads.
Authorities are urged to intensify crackdowns on the sale and use of these hazardous materials to prevent further tragedies. The back-to-back incidents underscore an urgent need for stricter regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns to curb this menace.
