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Residents of an Indian village were stunned by what they discovered following the disappearance of a young woman
The woman, Reena, had been expected to enter an arranged marriage when she disappeared without a trace on 9 February, according to the Times of India.
When the villagers in Auraiya district in north India searched her home, they found clothes and jewellery on the bed, along with a five-foot-long shed snakeskin.
They also discovered a snake burrow in the floor, along with an idol of a serpentine demigod she had brought home from a temple visit.
The snakeskin that reportedly convinced villagers something supernatural had occurred.
Image via News Web JournalVillagers believed Reena had transformed into a snake, and she was a nagin, a mythical figure that is half-human, half-serpent
A panic reportedly erupted across the village, with residents swarming the house where the snakeskin was found.
Her family members said that prior to the supposed mystical transformation, Reena claimed to have dreams of a snake visiting her in her sleep.
It was during this time that she brought the idol of the serpentine demigod home.
Image used for illustration purposes only.
Image via David Clode / UnsplashHowever, following an investigation, police concluded the scene was staged
Authorities said Reena wanted to mislead the village and buy time to escape an unwanted marriage.
Phaphund town Inspector Ajay Kumar said, "The girl staged this drama to mislead people. No transformation occurred, just a very determined exit."
Police traced Reena's movements through her mobile phone, and added that she had been in contact with another man from the village, whom she was in love with.
In the ensuing confusion, she was able to flee and elope with her lover.
A relief of a nāga and nagin.
Image via WikimediaReena has reportedly been seen in a video wearing traditional wedding attire, along with her chosen partner
Now married, Reena said she was content with her decision and pleaded for the public not to harass her family.
Three teams have been formed to locate Reena and her partner to ensure their safety.
