Warns of Mass Protest if Action Is Not Taken Within 48 Hours; Calls Tree Cutting an “Environmental Crime”
Published on: November 25, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A shocking case of illegal tree cutting has come to light in Indira Nagar–Jhulelal Ward, where a fully grown and healthy Kadamba tree was allegedly felled by electricity department personnel in exchange for a bribe. Former councillor and AICC ST Department Bihar Observer Rajesh Gupta “Champu” has demanded strict action and raised serious allegations of corruption and environmental negligence.
According to available information, electricity supply in the area was temporarily shut down between 2 pm and 3 pm on Sunday, 23 November 2025, near the petrol pump on Basantpur Road. During this blackout, department employees allegedly accepted ₹1,000 from a Sikh individual and proceeded to cut down the thriving Kadamba tree.
Rajesh Gupta, who witnessed the aftermath when he stepped out due to the power outage, said he was shocked to find the lush green tree lying on the ground barely 100 meters from his home. He noted that the tree had been planted years ago by respected former Municipal Commissioner Chandrakant Kaushik under the city’s Green City initiative. The tree had since grown into a source of shade, beauty, and environmental balance for passersby.
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Gupta condemned the act, stating,
“On one hand, the government and municipal corporation spend lakhs on plantation drives and promote campaigns like ‘A Tree in Mother’s Name.’ On the other hand, a few greedy electricity department employees are destroying the environment for petty gains. This is not just corruption—it is a crime against society.”
Issuing a stern warning, he said that if action is not taken within 48 hours, he will launch a public agitation along with local residents and escalate the matter to senior authorities.
He added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging inspiring initiatives such as planting a tree in one’s mother’s name. These employees are insulting that very sentiment. This must be stopped at all costs.”
