MORE than a decade ago, a 32-year-old woman wandered away from her home in Central China.

The woman, identified only by her surname Bu, had a university degree but she also had a history of mental illness, with several hospital stays for treatment by the time she went missing from her home in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, in 2011.

She was recently found in a village in Heshun County more than 150 kilometers away, and a 46-year-old villager surnamed Zhang was detained on suspicion of raping her, according to local police. The police said that Zhang allegedly saw that she was ill and took her home. Bu gave birth to his children.

“Zhang knew Bu had a mental illness but still had sexual relations with her and had children. He is suspected of committing a crime and has been detained,” the statement said.

Local authorities have questioned several villagers about whether Zhang restricted Bu’s personal freedom, it said, adding that it appeared she often went out by herself to buy snacks and never ran away from the village.

The police learned that between July and August 2011, Bu was first seen alone in Shidie Village and surrounding areas in Qingcheng Town, showing signs of mental abnormality.

Police are investigating whether the case involved human trafficking, illegal detention or other crimes.

Bu is being treated in hospital, while the county said help is provided to her and her children, while custody would be decided in the future according to the law.

Media reports about Bu went viral online last week.

With a master’s degree in engineering and applying for a doctor’s program, Bu became ill and stayed home for treatment, Bu’s elder brother was quoted by the media as saying.

After she went missing, her family looked for her and reported to police.

Then, on Nov. 25, a woman in Heshun County sought help from volunteers, saying Bu, her aunt, had been living with her uncle more than 10 years ago but nothing was known about her family.

With the help of volunteers and local police, Bu was reunited with her family Nov. 30. (SD-Agencies)