A tree in central India has become widely famous for its purported healing powers, with thousands flocking to see it every day.

The "healing" Mahua tree stands near Nayagaon in Madhya Pradesh and it is believed over 1 million people with illnesses have visited the tree hoping for a miracle cure, as seen in this footage taken on November 11.

Thousands of people now visit daily, with figures claiming as many as 25 to 30,000 making the journey, often with debilitating medical conditions, to touch the tree's trunk.

The rumour about the tree was reportedly started by a local farmer, Roop Singh Thakur, who released a video in which he claimed that he had become trapped in the tree for 10 minutes and emerged healed of his limp.

However the fervour surrounding the tree's purported healing powers has led to some with life-threatening conditions believing themselves cured after visiting the tree, with potentially lethal consequences.

Authorities are attempting to locate Roop Singh; while villagers from the surrounding area have since set up stalls and souvenirs related to the tree to capitalise on the region's rapidly acquired fame.

Villagers from Madhya Pradesh’s Nayagaon are in a frenzy over rumors of a miraculous healing Mahua tree. Over 1 million people with illnesses have visited the tree hoping for a miracle cure. Police and forest officials are at the end of their tether as thousands visit the protected area every day. Police are also on the lookout for the man who started this rumor. Around 25,000 to 30,000 people visit the tree every day, most of them in stretchers and with oxygen cylinders. Police and have barricaded the tree and deployed forces for public safety.

This frenzy started with a local farmer's claim. Roop Singh Thakur, the farmer said in a video, "I was heading home when this tree pulled me towards it. I was stuck to it for 10 minutes, and when it released me, I could feel a change. I don't limp anymore. I started visiting it on Sundays and Wednesdays, and now I'm perfectly all right. " The video was filmed by an STR beat guard.

Instead of using their natural ability to reason and apply logic, the people of Madhya Pradesh believed the farmer's claims. Since then, patients who have IV drips hooked on them and even the ones on wheelchairs go to the range so that they can be cured with the healing touch of the tree. Allegedly, a patient got himself discharged from the hospital after he got himself 'treated' by the tree. However, hours later, he died. Local vendors have also created a business opportunity in the ongoing situation and are selling coconuts and incense to the visitors.

Not only this, capitalising on people's superstitions, locals are selling photographs of the tree. Mineral water and snacks are also available for the visitors. While some people are making money, the availability of snacks in the area has caused littering. The rangers and forest officials have said that the security of wildlife in the range has also been compromised.As a result of the increasing number of visitors, the police have deployed more personnel in the range. The rangers of the STR are trying to locate Roop Singh Thakur who has been missing ever since his video surfaced. According to the officials, the video was made by a group of locals as they wanted to make easy money.