iNDICA NEWS BUREAU –
An Indian American woman was discovered chained to a tree in a forest located in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, India on Saturday, July 27.
The victim, Lalita Kayi Kumar S, 50, is reportedly a US citizen residing in Tamil Nadu. Local law enforcement officials suspect that her husband may have restrained her in the forest following a domestic dispute, though the investigation is still in its early stages.
The woman’s plight came to light when a shepherd in Sonurli village heard her cries for help on Saturday evening. Upon investigating, he found her with one leg secured to a tree by a chain. The shepherd immediately alerted the authorities, leading to her rescue.
Following her discovery, local police administered first aid and transported the woman to a primary healthcare center. Due to the severity of her condition, she was subsequently transferred to a more advanced medical facility for further treatment.
Medical professionals attending to the woman noted that she appeared to be experiencing psychiatric issues. Communication proved challenging, as the patient resorted to writing her health concerns on paper rather than speaking. This behavior has raised questions about her mental state and the potential impact of her ordeal.
In her written statement, she claimed to have been without food for 40 days and alleged that her husband had restrained her in the forest after an argument. These claims are currently under investigation by local authorities.
A Maharashtra Police official, speaking to the media, stated that while no formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed yet, a thorough investigation into the matter has been initiated. The official emphasized the complexity, noting that the woman was unable to give her statement. They explained that she is physically weak, likely due to the lack of food and exposure to heavy rainfall in the area. The official added that they are still uncertain about the duration of her confinement to the tree.
The police spokesperson also mentioned that the woman had reportedly left her husband following a quarrel, though the exact timeline and circumstances surrounding this event remain unclear.
