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Three Indian-origin men charged with enslaving 20-year-old
The victim was trapped in the basement and forced to carry out menial labour work for almost a year.
Venkutesh Sattaru , Nikhil Penmatsa , and Sravan Penumetcha / Image - Facebook @St. Charles County Police Department
An Indian student, aged 20, was reportedly held captive for months in multiple homes in St. Charles County by his cousin and two other men. During this time, he was forced to work and do chores while being severely beaten.
According to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch, individuals facing charges are Venkutesh Sattaru (35), Nikhil Penmatsa (27), and Sravan Penumetcha (23). Involuntary servitude, forced labor, accessory domestic assault first degree, armed criminal action, kidnapping, and trafficking for the purpose of slavery are among the charges. Other offenses include contributing to human trafficking through the misuse of documentation.
The charges stem from an incident involving a 20-year-old male victim who arrived in the country on a student visa with the expectation of pursuing an education. Instead, he found himself held captive in the basements of various residences owned by Sattaru in O'Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, and Defiance. Authorities were alerted to the situation when officers received a call for a welfare check at the Defiance address. Although initial attempts to make contact with the victim were unsuccessful, he eventually managed to escape, running out of the front door and calling for help, as reported by the police.
The victim was found to have been locked in the basements of these houses and forced to do menial tasks and work for Sattaru's business as the investigation progressed. He was physically abused by the defendants, who would stomp on him, kick him, and beat him with fists and kicks until he passed out, whenever he failed to finish these tasks or when they were unhappy with his performance. The victim also endured sleep deprivation and starvation during this ordeal.
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