In a disturbing incident, a 50-year-old American woman, Lalita Kayi, was discovered tied to a tree with an iron chain in a forest in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. The motive behind this harrowing situation remains unclear as police continue to investigate her background and recent activities.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
On July 27, a shepherd in Sonurli village, located in the coastal Sindhudurg district approximately 450 km from Mumbai, heard cries emanating from a forest. Following the sound, he found Kayi chained to a tree and immediately alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, the police discovered an Aadhaar card bearing a Tamil Nadu address and a photocopy of her American passport, indicating her identity. It was also noted that her visa had expired. Kayi was subsequently transported to a hospital in neighboring Goa for medical treatment.
Background and Timeline
According to the police, Kayi had traveled to Mumbai in June, although the purpose of her visit remains uncertain. Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Agrawal stated that various teams are verifying information about her origins in the United States and her activities in India.
Kayi’s journey to India began a decade ago when she arrived in Tamil Nadu to learn yoga and meditation. During her stay, she married an Indian man and lived with him for several years, even obtaining an Aadhaar card. However, following a fallout with her husband, she relocated to Goa and made a recent visit to Mumbai.
Unresolved Questions
The Sindhudurg police are trying to determine the specifics of her Mumbai visit, including whom she met and the duration of her stay. The police have not yet recorded Kayi’s statement, pending further verification of the information collected so far.
A note found in Kayi’s possession stated that she had not eaten for the past 25 days, raising concerns about her well-being. Superintendent Agrawal mentioned that while it is unclear how long she had been chained to the tree, the note suggests severe neglect and possible abuse.
Legal Actions and Health Concerns
The police have registered an attempt-to-murder case against her former husband based on the information in the note. The investigation is focusing on the possibility that Kayi suffers from schizophrenia, which may have influenced her circumstances and actions. Teams have been dispatched to Tamil Nadu and Goa to trace her ex-husband and other relatives.
Strong Clues and Ongoing Investigation
Superintendent Agrawal emphasized that the investigation is progressing in the right direction, with the police having “very strong clues” about Kayi’s situation. The verification of her background and recent activities is crucial to unraveling the full story behind this alarming incident.
As the investigation continues, the Sindhudurg police are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for Lalita Kayi, whose case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals caught in distressing circumstances far from home.
