Plastic string takes scooterist’s life

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 14

The killer plastic (Chinese) string claimed a youth’s life in the city on Sunday. Identified as Raman Kumar (27), a resident of Lahori Gate, he lost his life reportedly after falling from a scooter when a synthetic string injured his eyes.

According to information, he, along with a kin, was going on a scooter to a relative’s house in Maqboolpura to know the latter’s well-being. He was riding pillion.

Deputy Mayor Yonus Kumar, who lives in the Lahori Gate area, confirmed the incident. He said a synthetic kite string fell on him that inflicted severe injuries on his eyes and nose. Due to this, he lost his balance and fell from the scooter, suffering a critical head injury. He was rushed to a private hospital where doctors declared him dead. He was cremated here on Monday. He is survived by his wife and two children. He worked as a labourer.

The Deputy Mayor Kumar termed the incident as a major failure of the district and the police administration in nailing the rampant sale of Chinese string. “You can see string bunches on the roadsides. People use the banned string with impunity. Though banned, it is easily available on the black market,” he said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) JS Walia said though the police took necessary action, people did not refrain from using the killer thread. “They know it is illegal as well as dangerous to use the synthetic string, but they use it giving scant regards to the law and life of people,” he pointed out.

The ADCP said he was not aware of the death due to kite string and he would get it checked. He termed the incident unfortunate.