In a shocking and appalling incident, a 20-year-old Indian student in the United States has been rescued after enduring months of captivity, physical abuse, and forced labor at the hands of his cousin and two other Indian-origin men. The victim was held against his will in three homes in Missouri, highlighting the dark underbelly of exploitation faced by vulnerable individuals.

Captivity and Abuse

Venkatesh R Sattaru, Sravan Varma Penumetcha, and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa, the three suspects, were apprehended by authorities from a residence on a rural highway in St Charles County. The charges brought against them include human trafficking, kidnapping, and assault. The victim, who suffered multiple bone fractures, was discovered after a concerned citizen alerted authorities, leading them to investigate the home.

The student had been locked in a basement for three months, forced to sleep on an unfinished floor with no access to bathroom facilities. The extent of the brutality inflicted upon him included physical assaults with fists, stomping, and beating with electrical wiring and PVC pipes. His access to public spaces and restrooms was severely restricted, and he endured starvation during this traumatic period.

Inhumane Acts and Criminal Charges

Authorities condemned the actions of the suspects, deeming them “absolutely inhumane and unconscionable.” Venkatesh R Sattaru, the main suspect, faces additional charges of human trafficking for the purpose of slavery and contributing to human trafficking. The other two accused individuals reside in the same home where the student was finally rescued.

“If you see something, say something. We would much rather check it out and find nothing than have an incident like this that’s been going on for nearly a year,” emphasized the police, urging citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Ongoing Investigation and Concerns

As the investigation unfolds, authorities express uncertainty about the possibility of more victims connected to this harrowing case. The lack of clarity regarding the extent of the criminal activities raises concerns about the potential existence of other individuals facing similar exploitation.

The rescued student is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries, marking the beginning of his recovery from this traumatic ordeal. The case sheds light on the importance of public awareness and prompt reporting to prevent and address incidents of human trafficking and abuse. As the legal proceedings progress, the hope is that justice will be served for the victim and that efforts to curb such heinous crimes will be intensified.