A 50-year-old American woman, identified as Lalita Kayi Kumar, was discovered tied to a tree in a remote forest in Vasturli, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, on Saturday. Authorities were alerted after a shepherd heard her cries for help.
Upon her rescue, officials found several documents on Kumar, including a photocopy of her US passport and an Aadhaar card with a Tamil Nadu address. Preliminary investigations reveal that Kumar has been living in India for the past decade.
Kumar, who was severely weakened and malnourished, was first taken to a hospital in Sawantwadi before being transferred to Goa Medical College for advanced care. Doctors have reported that she is out of immediate danger but is suffering from psychiatric issues.
Police suspect that Kumar’s husband, who is from Tamil Nadu, may be involved in her distress. Her Aadhaar card and expired visa suggest a complex background. Authorities are working to verify her documents and are in contact with the Foreigners Regional Registration office to determine her current status.
The case is under investigation as police work to trace American woman relatives and uncover more details about the circumstances leading to her ordeal.