An American woman, Lalita Kayi, aged 50, was discovered chained to a tree in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, sending shockwaves through the community. Approximately ten days ago, she was rescued after her desperate cries for help were heard by local shepherds.
In her initial statement to authorities, Kayi accused her husband of chaining her and abandoning her in the forest without access to food or water. Currently receiving treatment at a psychiatric facility, she has not made any public statements, and the U.S. embassy has opted not to comment, respecting her privacy.
Her case has spurred an extensive investigation by local police, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding her abandonment. Recently, Superintendent of Police Saurabh Agarwal indicated that Kayi had since altered her story, suggesting she was not married and possibly experiencing hallucinations at the time of her first claim.
Police reported that Kayi explained her distress stemmed from an expired visa and dwindling finances, leading her to purchase locks and chains to secure herself to the tree. According to Dr. Sanghamitra Phule, who oversees her care, Kayi’s health is improving, allowing her to eat, walk, and engage in exercise as part of her treatment.
Dr. Phule also confirmed that Kayi’s family in the U.S. has been located, and she remains in contact with them via phone.
Kayi was found on July 27 by a cowherd who heard her screams while grazing livestock. Upon investigation, he noticed her leg was tied to a tree; after alerting villagers and local authorities, rescuers freed her from her chains. Kayi, in a severely emaciated condition, was initially hospitalized for her physical health and later transferred to the psychiatric facility for ongoing care.
During the rescue, authorities discovered Kayi’s passport, confirming her U.S. citizenship from Massachusetts, along with documents bearing her address in Tamil Nadu. She also had a mobile phone, a tablet, and approximately 31,000 rupees ($370) in cash. Initially unable to voice her situation, she communicated with healthcare personnel and police through notes.
Kayi initially reported that her husband in Tamil Nadu was responsible for her plight, asserting she endured 40 days without sustenance, a claim that investigators have questioned given the extreme duration without food or water. The case continues to develop as authorities seek clarity on the incidents leading to her harrowing experience.
