Three men have been arrested by the Missouri Police in the United States on charges of keeping a 20-year-old Indian student captive and assaulting him. The student, who had come to the US from India last year to study at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, is currently being treated at a hospital for multiple bone fractures, lacerations, and injuries covering his entire body.
The student, whose name has not been disclosed, was held captive for more than seven months by one of his cousins and two other men. During this time, he was not given access to a washroom, was beaten up, and was forced to work at three different homes.
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The incident came to light when a concerned citizen reported it to the police. Upon arriving at the home, located on a rural highway in St Charles County, the police arrested the accused individuals. They have been identified as Venkatesh R Sattaru (35), the main suspect, as well as Sravan Varma Penumetcha and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa. These men have been charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, and assault.
According to the police, the student was taken to Sattaru’s home in April and was forced to complete chores, work a full day for Sattaru’s IT company, and then finish a list of evening tasks. He was locked in a basement without access to a bathroom and slept on an unfinished floor. The student even had to scavenge for food in nearby restaurant dumpsters.
The police have described the incident as “absolutely inhumane and unconscionable.” They revealed that Sattaru owned three different homes in Defiance, Dardenne Prairie, and O’Fallon. Investigators have identified Sattaru as the ringleader, while Penumetcha and Penmatsa lived in the home from where the student was ultimately rescued.
During a conference, the police mentioned that they initially faced resistance while trying to enter the home. However, the student eventually escaped from the basement, trembling uncontrollably and bearing visible scars, bruises, and swelling all over his body.
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The accused individuals now face serious charges, including human trafficking for slavery and contributing to human trafficking through misuse of documentation. The police are determined to ensure justice for the victim and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Published By: Vani Mehrotra
Published On: Dec 1, 2023
