New York: A US court has convicted Indian-born millionaire Mahender Murlidhar Sabhnani and his wife Varsha of torturing their Indonesian maids. The couple could face upto 40 years in prison.
The millionaire couple is guilty of enslaving the two women who were working at their New York mansion.
They allegedly subjected the women to repeated psychological and physical abuse and forced them to work 18 hours a day.
Allegations of abuse included beatings with brooms and umbrellas, slashings with knives and being made to take freezing showers for sleeping late or stealing food from trash bins. Varsha Sabhnani was identified as the primary culprit in inflicting punishment. The Sabhnanis, who operate a worldwide perfume business, could face up to 40 years in prison. But the defence maintains the Sabhnanis are being set up. The couple is currently out on a 4.5 million dollar bail.
Prosecutors called the allegations against the Sabhnanis a case of ”modern-day slavery.” Assistant US Attorney Mark Lesko said in closing arguments that the poorly educated women came to the United States to work as housekeepers for $100 or $150 a month — all of which was sent to relatives back home.
However, the Sabhnanis’ defense attorneys contended the two women made up the story of abuse as a way of escaping the house for more lucrative opportunities. They argued the housekeepers practiced witchcraft and may have abused themselves as part of an Indonesian self-mutilation ritual. They also said the couple went on frequent vacations that would have given the two women ample opportunity to flee.
Varsha and Mahender Shabnani are a millionaire couple from long island. Their fortune has come from an international perfume business. On Monday, a NY jury found them guilty on 12 counts. Varsha collapsed on hearing of the conviction. Their lawyer has promised to appeal the verdict. If the verdict stands the couple could face upto 40 years in jail each.
With inputs from Parminder Singh
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