Lucknow: A 35-year-old medical representative died after his throat was slit by a kite string while he was crossing the Haiderganj flyover on his bike Wednesday evening. The incident once again underlines the lethal threat posed by banned kite strings on busy city roads.This was the second fatal incident linked to kite strings reported in the city in the last 2 months. Earlier, another man had died in a kite string accident near Burlington Crossing. The deceased in Wednesday’s incident was identified as Mohammad Shoaib, a resident of Dubagga. According to his neighbour Mohammad Sufiyan, Shoaib was returning home from Aishbagh when the incident occurred. As he reached the middle of the Haiderganj flyover, a kite string, allegedly glass-coated, suddenly got wrapped around his neck, causing a deep and fatal cut to his throat. Bystanders immediately alerted the police and rushed Shoaib to a nearby hospital, from where he was referred to KGMU Trauma Centre in a critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Shoaib worked as a medical representative with a pharmaceutical company and was the sole earning member of his family. He is survived by his wife, two minor daughters aged 2 and 4, and his mother. His father had died earlier. Family members said the sudden and tragic loss left them devastated, with the family now struggling to cope both emotionally and financially. Police officials reached the spot soon after receiving information and sent the body for autopsy. An investigation was initiated. “Further action will be taken based on the complaint of the family,” said Brijesh Singh, inspector of Khala Bazaar police station. Prof Prem Raj Singh, chief medical superintendent of the KGMU Trauma Centre, said the victim was brought in with a critical neck injury and heavy bleeding. “The patient was first taken to another hospital where initial treatment was given, but it was insufficient. He was referred to us in a very serious condition. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem,” he said. The incident sparked anger among local residents, who alleged that the use of glass-coated and synthetic kite strings continues unchecked despite repeated bans. Residents said enforcement remains lax, especially during the kite-flying season, and demanded strict action against the sale and use of hazardous strings. They also urged authorities to focus on flyovers and major roads, where bikers and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. Several similar incidents were reported in recent months, reinforcing concerns raised by citizens and safety experts. On December 9, 2025, Mohit Kumar Shukla (45) narrowly escaped death but suffered a deep cut in veins, resulting in permanent loss of movement in several fingers. On February 2, 2025, Shubham Yadav (24) sustained a serious neck injury after being struck by a kite string on Satrikh Road near Chinhat. Residents claimed that many such cases go unreported, particularly in old city areas. Flyovers and bridges emerged as frequent danger zones, as loose strings often remain suspended at neck height, turning roads into deadly traps for commuters.
