LUCKNOW, Feb. 7 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on the banned 'Chinese manjha trade' by placing online platforms, social media groups and informal digital channels under close surveillance, following strict directives from chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Senior officials said the chief minister has ordered authorities to closely monitor e-commerce websites, social networking platforms, messaging applications and local online marketplaces suspected of facilitating the illegal sale and distribution of the lethal kite string. Any digital channel found promoting, advertising or supplying 'Chinese manjha' will face immediate legal action.

The renewed focus on digital surveillance follows a series of fatal incide...