Sun Aug 31 00:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Jolarpet is investigating the illegal chopping down of a large, sacred fig tree (arasa maram) located on Southern Railway land near the Vaniyambadi railway station in Tirupattur. The tree was a local landmark and bus stop. Residents alerted police and railway officials to the chopped tree. Railway officials highlighted the security risk of such acts. The RPF is searching for operators of a nearby wood-cutting godown suspected to be involved, who have fled since the incident.

**News Article:**

**Sacred Fig Tree Illegally Chopped Down on Railway Land in Tirupattur, Investigation Launched**

**TIRUPATTUR, August 31, 2025** – An investigation is underway after a revered fig tree (arasa maram), a landmark in Vaniyambadi town, Tirupattur, was discovered illegally chopped down on Southern Railway property. The Jolarpet division of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), led by Inspector Nikil Kumar Gupta, has initiated the probe into the incident that occurred near the Vaniyambadi railway station.

For years, the massive tree served as a gathering point for commuters, with bus stops strategically positioned near its shade. “We are shocked,” said resident G. Vimala, “to see the old tree gone. We used to board buses under its shade every day. Action should be taken against those involved.”

Residents alerted the Jolarpet police and railway officials upon discovering the felled tree and its large trunks. A team of railway engineers from the Department of Permanent Way inspected the site to determine the tree’s exact location on railway land. Railway officials emphasized that illegal tree cutting on railway property is a trespassing offence and poses a security risk, potentially exposing other railway assets to criminal activity.

The RPF has formed special teams to investigate the matter. Police reported the presence of a wood-cutting godown in the vicinity, whose operators are suspected to be involved. The operators, who reportedly bought fallen trees from arterial roads via public auction, have absconded since the incident came to light. Authorities are actively searching for them.

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