A 20-year-old student from India came to the US with dreams of studying but instead found himself trapped in a living nightmare. Police are investigating three men in Ohio for allegedly holding the student captive, forcing him to work, and brutally beating him.
According to the St. Charles County Police Department, the student arrived in April on a student visa, but his path took a dark turn. He was allegedly held captive in the basements of various homes owned by Venkatesh Sattaru, 35, across Ohio.
The horrifying truth came to light when authorities conducted a wellness check at one of Sattaru's properties in Defiance, Ohio. Unable to contact the student, they witnessed him fleeing the house, desperately screaming for help.
Sattaru, along with Sravan Penumetcha, 27, and Nikhil Penmatsa, 23, have been charged with heinous crimes, including trafficking for forced labor, kidnapping, and domestic assault.
The victim's alleged ordeal included being forced to work long hours for Sattaru's company and performing menial tasks. When his work didn't meet their standards, the suspects are accused of subjecting him to vicious beatings and whippings. Sleep deprivation and starvation further added to his misery.
The young man is currently hospitalized, receiving treatment for multiple fractures and extensive scarring across his body. It's a stark reminder of the cruelty some individuals are capable of inflicting.
Sattaru, Penumetcha, and Penmatsa remain in custody without bail. It's unclear if they have entered pleas or have legal representation.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of international students and the importance of vigilance and swift action against such barbaric acts.
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