The ID of Bu. Photo: web

 
Authorities in North China's Shanxi province have launched an investigation into the case of a mentally ill woman who went missing for over 10 years and was recently found in a village, where she had given birth to multiple children. Criminal coercive measures have been taken against personnel involved in the case, according to media reports.

Authorities revealed that Bu, a 45-year-old woman who graduated with a master's degree in 2008, had received treatment at multiple hospitals due to mental health issues between 2008 to 2011. On May 26, 2011, she went missing from her home in the Yuci district of Jinzhong city in Shanxi. In August 2011, a 78-year-old female villager surnamed Guo from the Tuling village of Heshun county in Shanxi found Bu near the village, showing symptoms of mental illness. A few days later, Bu was taken home by a 46-year-old male villager surnamed Zhang from the same village, and they had multiple children.

The case has sparked heated discussions on social media platforms such as Sina Weibo. Some netizens have questioned whether Bu possessed full self-awareness during her pregnancies given her mental illness.

Local public security bureau said that after investigation, it was found that Zhang was aware that Bu had a mental illness, yet still engaged in a relationship with her and fathered children, which is suspected to be a crime. Authorities have taken criminal action against Zhang.

Following interviews with villagers in Shidie Village, Tuling Village, Qingcheng Township, and nearby areas, authorities found that from July to August 2011, a person named Bu stayed alone in Shidie Village and several surrounding villages for more than 10 days, showing symptoms of mental illness. As of now, no evidence has surfaced to suggest that Bu was trafficked, and the public security authorities are still conducting an in-depth investigation.

On the matter of potential illegal detention and related issues, the statement said that after interviewing several villagers, authorities noted that Bu showed symptoms of mental illness during her time in the village but often went out alone to buy snacks, and there were no indications that Bu attempted to leave the village. The investigation into whether there is suspicion of illegal detention and other illegal activities is ongoing by the public security authorities.

Regarding other alleged illegal activities, acts of negligence, or related matters, Heshun county authorities pledged to enforce strict penalties in accordance with laws and regulations, and will provide timely updates on the follow-up investigation, it said.

Bu is currently receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital. Local authorities will actively offer assistance and support to Bu and her children. Future decisions regarding the guardianship of her children will be made in accordance with legal procedures and the outcomes of the case, the statement noted.

Global Times