Three men from St. Charles County have been taken into custody after allegedly luring a family member from India to the United States under false pretenses, enslaving him for over a year and subjecting him to slave labor. Venkutesh Sattaru, 35, Nikhil Penmatsa, 27, and Sravan Penumetcha, 23, are now facing multiple charges related to human trafficking, abuse, and kidnapping.

The incident came to light when a concerned citizen alerted the St. Charles County Police after spotting a man in distress near a residence in the 3900 block of Highway D. Upon arrival, officers found a 20-year-old man who opened the door and ran outside, pleading for help. Penmatsa and Penumetcha initially refused to allow the officers inside but were eventually apprehended. Sattaru, who is considered the primary suspect and cousin of the victim, was later arrested.

According to investigations, the victim arrived in the U.S. last year on a student visa with hopes of pursuing higher education. It is alleged that the three family members had promised to sponsor his stay. However, after his arrival, he was confined to the basement of multiple homes owned by Sattaru, including properties in Dardenne Prairie and O'Fallon, in addition to the one on Highway D.

Investigators discovered that the victim was forced to work at Sattaru's company along with being assigned various menial tasks around the properties. When he failed to complete the tasks to their satisfaction, the defendants reportedly physically abused him. The victim disclosed instances of being beaten, kicked, stomped on, and whipped with an electrical wire. He also suffered from sleep deprivation and starvation.

St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph McCulloch stated that the three suspects face charges including trafficking for purposes of slavery, misuse of documentation related to human trafficking, domestic assault, armed criminal action, and kidnapping and abuse through forced labor. Due to concerns about potential political influence and wealth in India, the defendants are being held on no bond.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working closely with the victim to ensure his safety and well-being. Local organizations and support services have also been engaged to provide assistance to the victim during this traumatic period.

The case highlights the importance of combatting human trafficking and serves as a sobering reminder of the persistence of such practices even in modern society.