Mystery in Maharashtra: American Woman Found Chained in Forest

A 50-year-old American woman named Lalita Kayi was discovered chained to a tree in a Maharashtra forest. The motive behind her stay in India and recent visit to Mumbai remains unknown. Police are investigating her background and connections, including her former Indian husband and potential mental health issues.

Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district is at the center of an unfolding mystery as a 50-year-old American woman identified as Lalita Kayi was discovered chained to a tree. Police are piecing together her story, revealing that she arrived in Mumbai in June and has a complex backdrop involving a former Indian husband and potential mental health concerns.

The woman’s past includes moving to Tamil Nadu a decade ago for yoga and meditation, marrying an Indian man, and obtaining an Aadhaar card. Following a fallout with her husband, Kayi spent time in Goa before surfacing in Mumbai. Police are now investigating the motives and the circumstances surrounding her recent visit to the city.

Authorities continue to search for clues, including examining three pairs of locks and keys found at the scene. A note from the woman indicated she had not eaten for 25 days. The Sindhudurg police have registered an attempt-to-murder case against her ex-husband based on information in the note, and are also probing if Kayi suffers from schizophrenia.