Woman Presumed Murdered in 2023 Returns Home, Exposing Trafficking Ordeal

Lalita Bai's reappearance challenges a murder case, as authorities verify her identity and review the status of four jailed suspects.

Lalita Bai, a 35-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, was presumed dead in 2023 after her family misidentified a body based on a tattoo and a black string.
Her unexpected return in March 2025 revealed she had been sold into captivity for ₹5 lakh and held in Rajasthan's Kota for 18 months before escaping.
Four men arrested for her presumed murder remain in custody, with legal proceedings now under review by a local court.
Authorities are conducting DNA tests, medical examinations, and document verification to confirm Lalita Bai's identity.
The case highlights systemic issues in human trafficking, investigative lapses, and reliance on circumstantial evidence in criminal cases.