“My Husband Tied Me to a Tree”: American Woman Sparks Controversy in India
Indian authorities revealed a surprising twist in their investigation of an American woman whose story caused a significant uproar after she was found chained to a tree in poor health.
The woman had claimed that her Indian husband tied her to the tree and left her there to die alone.
However, according to BBC, investigations revealed that “the woman chained herself.”
Lalitha Kaye Kumar, 50, was discovered on July 27 by a shepherd who heard her groaning in an area 280 miles from Mumbai before he alerted the police.
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Reports indicate that the police found copies of her American passport beside her, showing an expired Indian visa, her address in Tamil Nadu, India, as well as medical prescriptions.
After being taken to the hospital, she informed the police and medical authorities in a written statement that she had been without food for 40 days after her husband left her there to die.
Doubts About the Story
Indian authorities had expressed doubts about the woman’s story from the early stages of the investigation, stating that “it is unlikely someone could survive without food or water for 40 days.”
However, after two weeks of investigation, the police reported that “the woman admitted to chaining herself to the tree.”
It was also revealed in the investigations that “the woman was not married, contrary to her claims.”
The police had previously reported that the woman suffered from hallucinations. Indeed, she mentioned in her written statement to the police that she suffered from them and relied on medication. It was found that her jaw was locked at the time due to a “severe psychosis injection.”
The police speculated that “the woman may have fabricated the story because she was anxious about her visa expiring and financial pressures, which led her to buy the chains and tie herself to the tree.”
Local doctors said the woman’s health is improving, and she is in contact with her family. It is not yet clear whether charges will be brought against her or not.