Raikot: Even as Punjab is yet to come to terms with the death of a 15-year-old boy near Samrala due to the deadly Chinese kite string, another life has been lost in a similar incident, triggering renewed anger and grief across the state.
Sarbjit Kaur, a resident of Akalgarh Kalan village in Raikot tehsil, died on Monday evening after a Chinese kite string wrapped tightly around her neck while she was riding her scooty towards Mullanpur to shop for a family wedding. The incident occurred on the Raikot Road near a gurdwara, where the sharp string was seen flying freely in the air.
According to eyewitnesses, the string cut deeply into Sarbjit Kaur’s neck, leaving her severely injured and bleeding profusely. Passers-by rushed to her aid and two men immediately placed her in their vehicle to take her to the hospital in Mullanpur. However, she succumbed to her injuries on the way. Doctors at the hospital declared her brought dead, saying it was already too late to save her.
Her husband, Mandeep Singh, said the family has been shattered by the sudden loss. He said he had dreamt of spending his life with Sarbjit Kaur, but is now left to face life alone, adding that their child has lost the protection and love of a mother. The entire family is inconsolable, and a pall of gloom has descended over Akalgarh Kalan village following the tragedy.
The incident comes just days after 15-year-old Taranjot Singh lost his life in Samrala due to a similar Chinese kite string accident. That case had sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for a strict crackdown on the sale and use of the banned string in Punjab.
Despite repeated warnings and legal prohibitions, the continued presence of Chinese kite strings on roads and rooftops is proving fatal, raising serious questions about enforcement and public safety. Residents and activists have once again demanded immediate and strict action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
