Defiance, Ohio – Police in Defiance, Ohio, are currently investigating a case involving three men who are accused of subjecting a 20-year-old student to deplorable conditions and repeated beatings. A 20-year-old Indian student was allegedly held captive across several Ohio homes for several months by his cousin and two other men.
The victim, who came to the United States on a student visa, was allegedly held captive in basements of various homes owned by Venkatesh Sattaru. Eventually, the victim escaped and sought help, according to the St. Charles County Police Department.
Authorities were initially called to perform a wellness check at a home in Defiance. Upon arrival, they were unable to make contact with the individual in question. However, moments later, the 20-year-old burst out of the front door, screaming for assistance. This alarming incident led to the discovery of his alleged captivity and the abuse he had endured.
Venkatesh Sattaru, Sravan Penumetcha, and Nikhil Penmatsa have all been charged in connection with the case. The charges include offenses such as trafficking for purposes of slavery or forced labor, contributing to human trafficking, accessory domestic assault in the first degree, and kidnapping. The severity of these accusations highlights the disturbing nature of the alleged actions perpetrated against the victim.
The press release further reveals that during his time in captivity, the victim was forced to work at one of Sattaru’s companies, where he had to perform menial tasks throughout the day. If his work did not meet the expectations of the suspects, they allegedly subjected him to beatings and whippings. Moreover, the victim was said to have suffered from sleep deprivation and starvation during this period.
At present, the victim is receiving treatment at a hospital for multiple fractures in his body, including his hands, feet, arms, and ribs. Police are also attending to scarring and lacerations found across his body. His injuries illustrate the brutality of the experience he endured.
Sattaru, Penumetcha, and Penmatsa are being held without bond. They have entered pleas of not guilty.
The victim arrived in the United States in April, intending to pursue studies at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
This distressing case has left the Defiance community stunned as the investigation continues to unfold. Law enforcement authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served for the young victim.