NEW YORK — A magistrate judge in New York City has recommended that a young Indian woman be awarded nearly $1.5 million for being forced to work without pay for a diplomat from her country.
The judge said Wednesday that Neena Malhotra (MAHL-hot-rah), and her husband, Jogesh Malhotra induced Shanti Gurung (SHAHN-tee GEHR-ung) to work without pay by preventing her from leaving the apartment.
The judge said the couple also threatened to beat and rape her if she tried to flee.
Gurung says she was "essentially kidnapped" from India in 2006 at age 17 and was ordered to give daily massages and perform other chores.
The Malhotras returned to India before the lawsuit was filed.
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February 23, 2012 08:55 AM EST | Associated Press