Slavery in 21st century

CENTRAL ISLIP, New York (AP) — A millionaire who inflicted years of abuse on two Indonesian housekeepers held as virtual slaves in her Long Island mansion was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison.

Varsha Sabhnani, 46, was convicted on a 12-count federal indictment.

Varsha Sabhnani, 46, was convicted with her husband in December on a 12-count federal indictment that included forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude and harboring aliens.

The trial provided a glimpse into a growing U.S. problem of domestic workers exploited in slave-like conditions.

The victims testified that they were beaten with brooms and umbrellas, slashed with knives, and forced to climb stairs and take freezing showers as punishment. One victim was forced to eat dozens of chili peppers and then was forced to eat her own vomit when she couldn’t keep the peppers down, prosecutors said.

I hate to say that I am from India. There are few Indians who can go to this extent is totally mind boggling. How can they even think about doing such a ghastly act.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 5:52 pm and is filed under World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.