The world is a strange place and we often come across things that have absolutely no logic. But a banyan tree in Pakistan, fettered in chains, beats all those lists of bizarre news that you read every day. Not only is it one of the most absurd things to see, but the story behind it is also just as ridiculous.
Visit Pakistan’s Landi Kotal army cantonment area if you want to witness something absolutely bizarre, where a huge banyan tree is kept chained to prevent it from moving!
The tree was put under arrest more than a century ago, in 1898, when a British army officer, James Squid, under the influence of alcohol, thought that the tree was lurching towards him! Threatened by the tree’s attempt, the officer decided to teach a lesson to the offender.
As a punishment for moving from its place, the British officer ordered the mess sergeant to arrest the tree.
Though, according to some locals, through this act, the British signalled the tribal people that they would meet a similar fate if they went against the government. Whatever the reason may be, the tree in captivity has made the area popular among people who come to have a look at one of the most random acts ever.
The tree stands chained even to this day with a signboard hanging from it’s branches that reads, “I am under arrest”.
