Ahmedabad: Residents rushing to work early on Tuesday were met with a distressing scene near Anupam Cinema — a woman running on the road without clothes. Concerned citizens quickly covered her and contacted the Abhayam helpline. Her initial account suggested abduction and sexual assault. However, as investigators probed deeper, several inconsistencies emerged. Police eventually traced her family in Chhattisgarh and found she had a history of mental health issues.
Initial Response and Rescue
According to officials associated with the Abhayam helpline, a call was received around 5:15 am reporting that a woman was running on city roads almost unclothed. A bus driver first covered her with a blanket, while other local residents arranged clothes for her before authorities arrived. She was then taken to Amraiwadi police station, where counsellors attempted to establish her identity.
Woman's Claims and Inconsistencies
“She told us she was from Rajasthan and had completed an engineering degree. She claimed she had come to Ahmedabad for a job interview, lost her phone and belongings at Kalupur railway station. She also stated that she was walking on the road, searching for shelter when three men in an autorickshaw abducted her,” said a counsellor associated with the helpline. The woman alleged she was sexually assaulted, and she had bruises on her body. However, she evaded questions about her family and kept repeating that she had none. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the spot she pointed to fell under the jurisdiction of Kagdapith police station, after which the case was handed over to local investigators.
Police Investigation and Medical Findings
Kagdapith inspector A M Gohil said that her primary medical check-up ruled out rape or any physical relationship. “During counselling and interaction with officials, it emerged that she was facing mental health issues and could not recall several details clearly. We eventually obtained contact information for her family in Chhattisgarh and established communication with them,” Gohil said.
Family's Response and Further Incidents
Investigators said family members requested the authorities to facilitate her return, citing financial difficulties and an inability to travel to Ahmedabad themselves. Police officials added that the woman also attempted to remove her clothes while at the police station, reinforcing concerns about her mental health condition. “She has since been shifted to an observation home and arrangements are being made to reunite her with her family,” said an official.
