An American woman found chained to a tree in an Indian forest had shackled herself, police say
An American woman, Lalita Kayi, was rescued from a forest in Maharashtra after being found chained to a tree and screaming for help. The 50-year-old woman had alleged that her husband had left her in the forest to die without food or water, but police now say she had actually shackled herself.
Ms. Kayi, who is currently receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility, has not spoken publicly about the incident. The US embassy has also declined to comment, citing her right to privacy.
According to police, Ms. Kayi had tied herself to the tree out of distress over her expired visa and dwindling finances. She was found with identification documents, a mobile phone, and money in her possession.
Dr. Sanghamitra Phule, the superintendent of the psychiatric hospital where Ms. Kayi is being treated, stated that her condition is improving. She is in contact with her family in the US and is receiving the necessary care and nutrients she was lacking.
The shocking discovery of Ms. Kayi in the forest had sparked a widespread investigation by the police. She was found in an emaciated state and had to be carried on a stretcher after being rescued by a cow herder who heard her screams.
Despite the initial claims made by Ms. Kayi, police now believe that she had tied herself to the tree and had been suffering from hallucinations. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full story behind her ordeal.
