Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Three Indian-origin men are facing criminal charges in the US for holding a 20-year-old student from India captive and subjecting him to months of physical abuse and forced labor.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was rescued by police officers on Wednesday in St. Charles County, Missouri. County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph McCulloch revealed that the young man had been forced to work at three different homes and was subjected to repeated beatings, starvation, and physical labor.
The victim is currently receiving medical treatment for multiple bone fractures, lacerations, and injuries covering his entire body. McCulloch has charged Venkatesh R. Sattaru, Sravanvarma Penumetcha, and Nikhil V. Penmatsa with various crimes related to abuse through forced labor, first-degree domestic assault, and kidnapping.
Describing the case as “absolutely inhumane and unconscionable,” McCulloch highlighted that the main suspect, Sattaru, is the victim’s cousin and visa sponsor. Sattaru has also been charged with human trafficking and contributing to human trafficking through the misuse of documentation.
According to McCulloch, the victim was forced to perform menial tasks and remote work for Sattaru’s IT company and was subjected to frequent beatings. The three defendants allegedly confined and abused the victim at three different homes owned by Sattaru in Defiance, Dardenne Prairie, and O’Fallon since April 2023.
McCulloch further revealed that the suspects are wealthy and have political connections in India. The victim was forced to sleep in an unfinished basement, starved, and had limited access to the public and restrooms.
The police became aware of the situation after a concerned citizen reported it, leading to the investigation and subsequent rescue of the victim. McCulloch urged the public to report any suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent such incidents.
The three suspects are currently being held without bond at the St. Charles County Jail. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the abuse and the length of time the victim endured such horrific treatment.
Efforts are being made to provide the victim with the necessary support and assistance to aid in his recovery. The charges against the accused highlight the need for continued vigilance and action against human trafficking and forced labor.