Attempted Murder Case Filed Against Ex-Husband After American Woman Found Chained to Tree in Maharashtra

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/30th July 2024

In a shocking incident in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, an attempted murder case has been registered against the ex-husband of an American woman who was discovered tied to a tree with an iron chain. The distressing event came to light when a shepherd heard her cries in the village of Sonurli, approximately 450 kilometers from Mumbai, and alerted the authorities.

The woman, identified as Lalita Kayi Kumar S, was found in a state of distress on Saturday evening, prompting immediate action from local police. She was initially taken to a hospital in Sawantwadi and subsequently transferred to Oros in Sindhudurg for further treatment. Given her mental and physical condition, she was then moved to Goa Medical College, where she is currently receiving advanced medical care and is reported to be out of danger.

Medical professionals treating Lalita have noted that she suffers from psychiatric issues, with several medical prescriptions found in her possession supporting this diagnosis. Her condition has necessitated ongoing medical attention to ensure her recovery.

Lalita’s ordeal was revealed through a statement she made while in the hospital. According to police officials, she claimed that her former husband was responsible for tying her with an iron chain in the forested area of Sonurli. This statement formed the basis for the case filed against her ex-husband, who faces charges of attempted murder, endangering life or personal safety, and wrongful confinement under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The discovery of Lalita’s Aadhaar card and a photocopy of her American passport provided additional context to her situation. It was revealed that her visa had expired, and she had been residing in India for the past decade. Despite her long stay in the country, Lalita’s presence had largely gone unnoticed until this unfortunate incident.

The police are actively investigating the case and have launched a search for Lalita’s former husband. Efforts are being made to officially record her statement to solidify the charges and proceed with the legal process. The case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Lalita’s discovery.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of foreign nationals residing in India, especially those with expired visas or without adequate support systems. It has also highlighted the need for vigilance and prompt action by authorities in responding to distress calls and ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.

As the investigation progresses, the police are working diligently to piece together the events that led to Lalita’s harrowing experience. The involvement of her ex-husband in this case has cast a spotlight on issues of domestic violence and the lengths to which abusers may go to exert control and inflict harm.

The community in Sonurli and surrounding areas has been shaken by the incident, with many expressing shock and outrage at the treatment Lalita endured. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support for those who suffer from mental health issues.

In the coming days, the focus will remain on ensuring Lalita’s recovery and bringing her alleged abuser to justice. The authorities’ swift response and ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect underscore their commitment to upholding the law and protecting all residents, regardless of their nationality.