Trending news: A video showing an elderly woman crying abreast a Peepal tree she had planted 20 years ago, without it was cut down, has gone viral on social media. The incident happened in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh and has left the local polity in grief and anger.
A Tree Treasured Like Family
The video shows the elderly woman weeping uncontrollably near the chopped tree. Villagers said she treated the Peepal tree like her own child. She watered it every day, worshipped it, and considered it sacred. When the tree was cut, she held its stump and cried bitterly. Those nearby were moreover tightly moved by her pain.
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— Nehra Ji (@nehraji77) October 10, 2025Allegations Against Local Land Dealer
Residents are wrestling and requirement that a local land dealer, Imran Memon, ordered the tree to be cut. The tree stood on government land and was a place of local devotion. Villagers say Imran worked with an associate, Prakash Kosare, to remove it.
Police Whoopee and Investigation
Villagers, led by Suresh Kumar Tiwari and former sarpanch Sanjay Singh, approached the Khairagarh police station to demand action. Pramod Patel filed a complaint, and police registered Crime No. 464/2025 under Sections 298 and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code. During investigation, Imran admitted that he wanted to level the land on which the tree stood. Prakash helped him cut the tree with a wood-cutting machine while Imran watched. Both men then fled to Khairagarh and reportedly threw the machine into a river to hibernate evidence. Police have seized a scooter belonging to the accused and widow increasingly charges under Section 238 of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Defacement of Public Property Act. Both men were arrested, presented in court, and sent to judicial remand.
Community Grief and New Beginnings
Villagers said the elderly woman’s sorrow reflected their joint loss. “She cared for that tree like her own son. Seeing her cry tapped our hearts,” said Suresh Kumar Tiwari. Former sarpanch Sanjay Singh added, “This was not just a tree; it symbolized faith and devotion. Cutting it lanugo was painful for everyone.” In response, villagers planted a new Peepal tree in the same spot, vowing to protect it. The elderly woman, who cared for the old tree for 20 years, offered her prayers at the new sapling.
