In Khairagarh district, Chhattisgarh, an elderly woman’s grief went viral after a peepal tree she had cared for two decades was illegally felled. The incident took place in Sara Gondi village, leaving locals and social media users shocked.
Elderly Woman Planted Peepal Sapling Two Decades Ago, Cared for it Like Her Own Child
Deola Bai, 85, planted a small peepal sapling in her courtyard about 20 years ago. Locals say she nurtured it with love, regularly watering and protecting it, treating it as if it were her own child.
The tree reportedly became a target for profit, sparking heartbreak when it was cut down without her consent.
Heartbreaking Video Shared by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
A video circulated online shows the elderly woman crying uncontrollably beside the fallen tree, resting her head against the stump in despair.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the video on X, writing: "This is such a heart-wrenching scene. An elderly woman weeps bitterly after Peepal tree she planted 20 years ago is cut down. I'm told this occurred in the State of Chhattisgarh."
Villagers Intervene, But Tree is Still Felled for Profit
According to reports, on the morning of October 5, Imran Memon of Khairagarh and an accomplice attempted to cut the tree. Villagers tried to stop them, but the following morning, the peepal tree had been reduced to a stump.
A case was registered at Khairagarh police station under Sections 298 (deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Arrest Accused, Probe Reveals Tree Cut for Land Levelling
The Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai (KCG) police arrested the two men responsible, according to SHO Anil Sharma. During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted that they wanted to level government land in front of a plot recently purchased by Memon.
Memon allegedly sought help from Prakash Kosre of Lalpur, who used a cutting machine to fell the tree while Memon kept watch. Afterward, the duo fled and disposed of the cutting machine in a river, with divers now deployed to recover it.
Social Media Outrage: Elderly Woman’s Grief Strikes a Chord
The video of Deola Bai has touched the hearts of thousands online. Users expressed anger at the illegal act and called for stricter protection of trees, especially those with cultural or emotional significance.
Many noted that the incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and stronger enforcement of laws protecting trees and public property.
Protecting Trees is Protecting Lives: Lessons from Sara Gondi
The tragic felling of the 20-year-old peepal tree serves as a reminder that trees hold emotional, cultural, and environmental value. Authorities and citizens alike are urged to protect such natural heritage.
As the police investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served, and such acts of illegal tree felling are strongly deterred in the future.
Inputs from agencies
Elderly Woman Planted Peepal Sapling Two Decades Ago, Cared for it Like Her Own Child
Deola Bai, 85, planted a small peepal sapling in her courtyard about 20 years ago. Locals say she nurtured it with love, regularly watering and protecting it, treating it as if it were her own child.
The tree reportedly became a target for profit, sparking heartbreak when it was cut down without her consent.
Heartbreaking Video Shared by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
A video circulated online shows the elderly woman crying uncontrollably beside the fallen tree, resting her head against the stump in despair.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the video on X, writing: "This is such a heart-wrenching scene. An elderly woman weeps bitterly after Peepal tree she planted 20 years ago is cut down. I'm told this occurred in the State of Chhattisgarh."
This is such heart-wrenching scene!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 11, 2025
𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲- 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧😢
I'm told this occurred in the State of Chhattisgarh. #EkPedMaaKeNaam pic.twitter.com/7UeuSSmKAr
Villagers Intervene, But Tree is Still Felled for Profit
According to reports, on the morning of October 5, Imran Memon of Khairagarh and an accomplice attempted to cut the tree. Villagers tried to stop them, but the following morning, the peepal tree had been reduced to a stump.
A case was registered at Khairagarh police station under Sections 298 (deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Arrest Accused, Probe Reveals Tree Cut for Land Levelling
The Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai (KCG) police arrested the two men responsible, according to SHO Anil Sharma. During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted that they wanted to level government land in front of a plot recently purchased by Memon.
Memon allegedly sought help from Prakash Kosre of Lalpur, who used a cutting machine to fell the tree while Memon kept watch. Afterward, the duo fled and disposed of the cutting machine in a river, with divers now deployed to recover it.
Social Media Outrage: Elderly Woman’s Grief Strikes a Chord
The video of Deola Bai has touched the hearts of thousands online. Users expressed anger at the illegal act and called for stricter protection of trees, especially those with cultural or emotional significance.
Many noted that the incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and stronger enforcement of laws protecting trees and public property.
Protecting Trees is Protecting Lives: Lessons from Sara Gondi
The tragic felling of the 20-year-old peepal tree serves as a reminder that trees hold emotional, cultural, and environmental value. Authorities and citizens alike are urged to protect such natural heritage.
As the police investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served, and such acts of illegal tree felling are strongly deterred in the future.
Inputs from agencies
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