People must stop rumours about Mahabodhi tree: Govt

Gaya, July 21 (UNI) Bihar government has urged people not to spread rumours about cutting of a branch of Mahabodhi tree and said it was an attempt to erode the credibility of the state.

After visiting the spot, State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah told newspersons here today that people spreading rumours would not be spared.

''Photographs shown by the district officials clearly indicated that branches of the holy tree was not cut,'' Mr Amanullah said.

He said photographs and other proofs substantiated the fact that branches of the holy tree was cut about 35 years back to protect the tree from insects.

He, however, assured that a samples of the branch would be tested by carbon dating method to as certain facts.

UNI XC-RS JYN YA ND182