Goa, March 3 -- Branches of the sacred age-old Banyan tree were cut; roots have been severed leaving only the trunk of the tree in the name of translocation.

Activists and residents were enraged at the unlawful procedures used by the authorities for the relocation of the shrine and the banyan tree.

Some even became emotional as the centuries -old sacred banyan tree and the shrine which the people had so many memories and connections will be no more.

While lifting the tree with the help of a crane, the tree split into two pieces with severed roots. In critical condition, the tree has been shifted to its new location.

Additionally, Daniel Dsouza, a botanist and horticulturist, was present on the scene when the tree was being translocate...