Chinese kite string vendors in police net, manufacturers, suppliers evading arrest

Despite continuous police action against vendors selling the banned Chinese kite string, the manufacturers and supplier of the plastic kite string continue to fly below the police’s radar.

Ahead of Lohri festivities every year, the police launch drives aimed at curbing the sale of this synthetic thread that has, over time, led to multiple injuries and casualties. This action mostly results in cases against vendors and recoveries of the banned string, but has so far not been able to make headway towards making a connection to the manufacturers or wholesale suppliers.

Sources said the string, also known as China dor, is being manufactured in India nowadays. Shopkeepers generally start hoarding the banned thread a few months ahead of the Lohri festival as the demand suddenly increases at this time, i.e. the last week of December.

A police official, requesting anonymity, said no manufacturer of Chinese kite string has been identified in Punjab so far. Usually, the thread is supplied by suppliers living in other states and wholesalers keep the stock in godowns at isolated locations.

“Ludhiana police recently arrested a vendor, Rajit Sharma, and recovered 1008 rolls of China Dor. The key seller, Chintu of New Madhopuri, was also booked in the case. However, after registering the case, police have not able to find the supply links of the key accused,” added the police official.

After the FIR against Chintu, some social activists apprised the senior police officials that the recovery was only a tip of an iceberg and if serious investigation was conducted, police could bust a major racket involved in the illegal trade of synthetic thread and identify some of the suppliers from other states.