Back in May, I wrote a post about the Muttontown/Long Island couple who were accused of treating their Indonesian maids like “modern-day slaves”. It is time for an update (thanks, various tipsters):
A jury on Monday convicted a millionaire couple of enslaving two Indonesian women they brought to their mansion to work as housekeepers.
Mahender Murlidhar Sabhnani, 51, and his wife, Varsha Mahender Sabhnani, 45, were each convicted of all charges in a 12-count federal indictment that included forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude, and harboring aliens. [MSNBC]
In addition to grueling 18-hour days, Samirah and Enung were “fortunate enough” to receive discipline and opportunities like those detailed below:
Allegations of abuse included beatings with brooms and umbrellas, slashings with knives, being made to repeatedly climb stairs and take freezing-cold showers as punishment for misdeeds that included sleeping late or stealing food from trash bins because they were poorly fed.
Samirah, the woman who fled the house in May, said she was forced to eat dozens of chili peppers and then was forced to eat her own vomit when she failed to digest the peppers, prosecutors said… [MSNBC]
This next bit is clearly a misinterpretation of actual events; I’m sure that Mrs. Sabhnani was merely trying to assist with hair removal. That’s quite thoughtful of her!
Enung testified that Samirah’s nude body once was covered in plastic wrapping tape on orders from Varsha Sabhnani, who then instructed Enung to rip it off. “When I pulled it off, she was screaming,” the housekeeper said through an interpreter before breaking down in tears on the witness stand. [MSNBC]
These disposable women should have been grateful that they were allowed to come to America, so that they could live in a mansion– and be stashed in a 3’x3′ space whenever visitors came, lest they embarrass their generous employers with their bruises and scars. If they hadn’t been so gluttonous as to sift through the trash for scraps, then they wouldn’t have been punished. Makes perfect sense…if you’re EVIL. But wait! There’s MORE!
The Sabhnanis’ defense attorneys contended the two women concocted the story of abuse as a way of escaping the house for more lucrative opportunities. [CNN]
You know, when I’m on the prowl for more lucrative opportunities, I always make sure that I rush in to a Dunkin’ Donuts with naught but a towel for a shirt and then fake abuse while pleading for help. Works every time.
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. [MSNBC]
Obviously they didn’t practice witch stuff enough! I mean, if you don’t have the power to ingest 25 chili peppers like it ain’t no thang, well, you’re an embarrassment to your kind. Actually, it’s a good thing these witches were terrible at their craft; imagine what manner of wicked mischief they might have inflicted on their poor, persecuted, millionaire employers, had they had the time or energy provided by scraps of food from the garbage, to work on such things.
I didn’t think I could loathe these people more, but after reading that “strategy” put forth by their lawyers, I think I might. Then again, perhaps it’s heartless of us to blame this couple, when their greedy witch-employees just wanted to have some traditional, self-mutilatin’ fun? The Sabhnanis are the real victims here. I mean, look at this:
Varsha Sabhnani, 45, and one of her daughters collapsed in disbelief as the damning verdict was read – and were taken to a hospital for treatment. [NYDailyNews]
Maybe histrionics are like cooties? Contagious?
Defense attorney Jeffrey Hoffman said he would appeal. “Apparently, the jury was taken by the histrionics …” of the Indonesian women, he said. [CNN]
Here’s the best quote ever:
“We never did anything to anybody,” the Sabhnanis’ daughter Tina screamed. “How could this happen to us in America?” [NYDailyNews]
Yes, Tina. How COULD this happen, not just in America, but in your own home?
Did the Sabhnani’s pick up this habit in Saudi? 😉
“How could this happen to us in America?”
How could it? Hmm, I wonder…
The witchcraft excuse was hilarious and pathetic.
I’ve seen many a Desi abuse their servants/workers back on the subcontinent, including my own relatives, and I always try to step in and argue against it, but it seems that for some people, such abusive behavior is strongly ingrained… When I’m gone, I know things go right back to the way they were. I know in India, at least, the servant/homeowner relationship can have some positive potential, but I really wish people everywhere would stop with this nonsense.
Anna, thanks for the update. It’s clear that some unforgivable level of abuse went on, and other civil/criminal offenses were committed, including visa violations (the women had originally come as B-1 business visitors).
However, parts of the abuse allegations seemed a bit over the top even back then, and still seem that way – e.g. being forced to eat chili peppers and then your own vomit? It may be worth noting, just in general, that convictions do not mean that all aspects of the plaintiff’s testimony has been established. Or in this case, was it? If it was, then the whole thing plumbs new depths in the ‘(wo)man’s inhumanity to (wo)man’ category, in my mind.
You know this would never happen in India.
Not the slavery of the housekeeper part, but the conviction of the houseowner part.
This article from Newsday has more details of the drama in the courtroom as well as a photo gallery.
Chachaji, I remember your comments on the original thread and how they were a sensible plea for caution/giving the defendants the benefit of our doubt. 🙂 I’m glad we have voices like yours, so calm amid the affray. Though it is partially my naive faith in our system of justice that “guilty on all counts” to me generally means guilty, I think a lot of it has to do with my cynicism, too. We humans are capable of horrific cruelty and we’re able to rationalize it all away, quite easily.
FWIW, I know of a desi parent who forced their kid to eat dinner after a tantrum, and then when their child threw up…they ordered them to…well, you know. I’m thinking that’s why that bit wasn’t so over-the-top, to me.
I was beginning to wonder where the coverage on this story was!
It is baffling that how every post is an opportunity for some commentars to take the focus away from the original intent and make it an India versus not India pissing match. These are the same people that will come back and accuse the moderators of not doing their job. Rishi and Akshay honestly do any of your comments further the discussion in any way?
She’s not the only one thinking that.
chachaji @ 3:
While I totally agree that skepticism is important at all times (thank you for bringing it up), I’m not sure just how exaggerated the claims of abuse are in this case. I’ve heard stories of surprisingly parallel circumstances (including, but not restricted to desis) across NYC, at least. While one part of me would hate to assume such inhumane treatment, I can’t help but lean towards that view.
Anna, wasn’t that last part all out of love? ;). Been there done that!
However, parts of the abuse allegations seemed a bit over the top even back then, and still seem that way – e.g. being forced to eat chili peppers and then your own vomit?
On the other hand, the stories are so improbable (and so specific) that they might well be true. If you’re lying, you don’t make up something so foul, no one’s even heard of it.
Did the Sabhnani’s pick up this habit in Saudi? 😉
maybe this wasn’t the most pc statement but sure was funny.
The court has made a decision, but even before they did it was something that most of us accepted as credible based on the way many Indians treat their servants back in the desh. These folks seem to have broken new ground in creative cruelty. I was going to say I was surprised that they would do such a thing in this country, but the Reddy case was similar. Let’s call it “Zamindar Syndrome”
Sadly this is not new. There have been numerous cases involving Arabs who hired domestic servants and treated them like they would back in their home countries.
Not to be misunderstood, I’m not questioning the convictions at all – just pointing out that, even when a conviction is returned based on evidence, it does not mean that everything a witness or the plaintiff said during the trial is retrospectively assumed to have been established as 100% true. Then again, occassionally, trials get into the details of the testimony itself, and the complete veracity or degree of partial veracity thereof is also established. So that was all I was asking. I’m not a lawyer!
Anna – “Though it is partially my naive faith in our system of justice that “guilty on all counts” to me generally means guilty,..” To date, One hundred and twenty six (126) Americans facing the death sentence, who were found “guilty on all counts” by our system of justice, have been exonerated due to DNA evidence. Possibly hundreds of innocent human beings must have been murdered by our so called system of justice. Not to mention the criminally disproportionate incarceration of people of color by our so called system of justice.
I looked around, and it looks like the wife is the one who administered all the abuse. Kinda makes you wonder what it is/was about her life that caused her to act out on her maids like she did. Whatever it was it sounds like she’s a bit of a sadist. How embarrassing for their lawyers to have to argue these weak defenses.
They deserve at least 20 years behind bars.
Are the housekeepers filing a civil suit too? They ought to be awarded millions.
Axis: I am aware, which is why I readily admitted that I am naive and qualified my statement with “generally”. I thought the majority of the time, we do get it right. I’m not trying to contradict or dismiss what you’ve raised; I don’t know enough to speak beyond the broad statements I’ve already made.
I also don’t want to sidetrack this discussion or get in a debate with you. If you’d like, I’ll delete my comment. Though I know you are a valid commenter who is trying to make a point, those with less pure motives would love to have a field day with any mistake I make.
Anna – You are right, I should have read your comment more carefully. Thanks.
Even though mistreatment of servants is routine in India, some of the actions of the defendants here were rather sadistic and would be uncommon in urban India. Working for the defendant’s family was probably like working for your average monstrous Pakistani Zamidar (landlord)
Even though both the defendants were naturalized citizens, there of course is no excuse for carrying over such barbarism to the United States and a 5-6 year jail sentence would be appropriate. I think in the sentencing stage, the fact that both the defendants were immigrants might work in their favor and they will receive a lower sentence than your average American would receive.
The daughter is crying now. You aint seen nothing biyatch! The servants are now going to go gang busters in the civil lawsuit against the family. Expect a judgment of over 10 million dollars in the Civil Lawsuit. Good luck with protecting your assets (not!)
No, Axis Mundi. Thank you for being so nice (great handle, btw). 🙂
Well, she’s right in one way: America was founded on slavery …
I read that the house might be taken by the govt too, because it’s a federal crime or something. I bet they never thought they’d lose it all b/c they mistreated their maids. I wonder how many cases like this exist in America that we haven’t heard about?
I can’t think what exactly the defense lawyer thinks he might gain by appealing. Other than income I mean. As a public service, I would like to help him by making a list of defenses he might use:
Your Honor, my clients were clearly concerned for the health and well-being of the maids. It is well known that chili peppers reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Your Honor, the plastic wrapping incident is just a dreadful misunderstanding. My clients were helping the maids acclimatize to the US by acting out scenes from Twin Peaks. Don’t we all remember how funny Twin Peaks was? Ha ha!
Your Honor, the plaintiffs are clearly histrionically talented, witchcraft-practising, self-mutilating aliens. Would you take their word against that of my client Ms Varsha Sabhnani, a decent hard-working American, just because my client looks like she is thinking up new ways to molest lobsters?
Your Honor, while the counsel for the prosecution is of the opinion that my previous argument was an ad hominem red herring attack, I point out that it was in fact an ad feminem red lobster defense.
Your Honor, this is Chewbacca.
Its kinda surprising that many commentators r giving example of Saudi Arab to somehow weaken the severity of the issue here. So this is what it would come to? To compare USA and India to Saudi Arab? Disgusting, guys !
How lame is that that excuse? Wouldn’t excuse of “escaping the house” be incriminating in itself?! The attorneys are bad or they really have no case, I am guessing it’s the latter.
The defense could also argue that the employees had given consent to some of the mistreatment as they had different expectations of an employer than an American employee would hold. But these arguments will only make sense in the sentencing stage. Bringing up these arguments (I am presuming the defense did not raise them) in front of an all American jury would have only inflamed the jury.
To compare USA and India to Saudi Arab? Disgusting, guys !
Comparing Saudi Arabia to India is not that disgusting. There are a lot of Indians who would do anything to go to Saudi Arabia and live the Saudi dream of petro-dollars if not necessarily liberty. Not many Saudis of course would immigrate to India to enjoy its freedoms.
So when is the Lifetime Movie of the Week coming out on this story?
What a scary family.
Don’t know, but a Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode must be in development even as we speak.
I am reminded of Cruella de Vil every time I read this story.I wonder what the equation between the couple was. Won’t be surprised if they were personally into S&M. If guilty, they should be incorporated in the http://www.aboutbritain.com/EdinburghDungeon.htm
The Sabhnobody’s are a disgrace to humanity.
This is scary. Mrs. Sabhnani just sounds like a psychopath, honestly – while servants are often looked down on and mistreated in India, the kind of abuse these two Indonesian went through is just something else, absolutely sadistic torture. I’m surprised the Sabhnanis’ lawyer didn’t try a ‘mentally unstable’ defense, it sure sounds like Mrs. Sabhnani is crazy. I mean, just, wtf. I’m having trouble wrapping my brain around it. I’m glad the American justice system works in this case, but I can’t help but feel a little bad for the kids- they have four kids right? I wonder if they partook of the abuse or if they were repulsed by it and felt helpless to say or do anything since it is their mother (it doesn’t seem like the father did as much) after all. While ‘How could this happen to us?’ is a stupid thing to say, their parents are going to jail, the kids must be feeling a lot of conflict. I would be ashamed if anything like this were to happen in my family, but I would also find it difficult to entirely condemn my relatives/people I know. It’s difficult to deal with that sometimes.
What’s going to happen to the two Indonesian women now?
Yes, very ture. There was this case of Kuwaiti diplomats who abused their Indian servants and nothing was done because they had some kind of diplomatic immunity. The NPR story is here. In fact the State dept. has protested with many foreign embassy officials for abusing their servants.
I’m celebrating, pass the champagne. The bad guys got what they desereved, and it will be a shot across the bow next time some crazy rich Indian tries to do something they shouldn’t even be allowed to do back in the old country.
And I hope the daughters of the parents read this website. They’re just a guilty for sitting idly by.
Yes, three daughters and one son. I don’t feel bad for them at all. I think one of the daughters took a cameraphone pic of one of the maids sneaking food, to rat her out.
So no. No sympathy.
mrs. sabhnani sure as hell looks like cruella de ville. I wouldnt like to believe the bit about eating vomit, but from what the landscaper said, it looks like they were starving/abusing these women. They should be behind bars for twice the amount of time these women were abused. at least in prison they feed you and even with those prison jobs making license plates, the sabhnanis are sure to make more than $150/month.
About the maids, as they were illegal under immigration laws, are they going to be deported or have they been given some sort of residency? Either way, wherever they choose/are allowed to live, they each deserve a million dollar judgement.
Bet a civil suit is next. Victims get rich. kids lose inheritance. Class postions reversed. Justice in America.
I wonder if Pooja Sabhnani’s beloved Cayenne was leased or owned…oh wait! Doesn’t matter!
I’ve seen many a Desi abuse their servants/workers back on the subcontinent, including my own relatives, and I always try to step in and argue against it, but it seems that for some people, such abusive behavior is strongly ingrained… When I’m gone, I know things go right back to the way they were.
there’s variation on this. but the way i have seen some of my relatives treat other human beings really makes me wary of the moral affect that having hired “help” has on a human.
Oh yeah, this is from the article linked above:
I guess I’m just trying to imagine what it must be like growing up in this household. The two women were in the household for the past five years, and the youngest was 12 then, so I doubt they grew up feeling that it was ‘normal.’ So I wonder if they felt conflicted living in that house, and if they ever tried to stop what was going on, or if they grew to rationalize it since it was so wrong and it was their mother doing it.
Considering the three degrees of Sepia-ration I’ve observed at SM…I can’t believe one of YOU doesn’t know them. 😉
brown @ 8: I’m not sure if your question was rhetorical, but I feel somewhat obligated to clarify my intent. “It is baffling that how every post is an opportunity for some commentars to take the focus away from the original intent and make it an India versus not India pissing match.”
Though I admit some part of my comment was vague, I do not see how you could read my post in this way (perhaps you’ve confused me for prema/the other Akshay?). I did not intend to imply any of what you’ve claimed, and my “how could this happen in America?” was sarcastic. I was merely relating this article to my personal experience with the issue, which I feel is a reasonable part of any discussion. If you read the post I made right after yours, I also mentioned that this problem was not specifically an Indian one in any way, and I have no such bias.
“These are the same people that will come back and accuse the moderators of not doing their job. “
I must admit, I’m disappointed that you’ve made this generalization about me. I have never made any such accusation nor do I intend to do so in the future, as I enjoy this forum and feel that it is well-moderated.
“Rishi and Akshay honestly do any of your comments further the discussion in any way? “
I don’t think the tone of my comment was related to Rishi’s, and the style of my comment is one of the more common sorts on this and most any blog. I shared my experience in relation to this issue and to condemned it. I don’t see how this is drastically different from anyone else’s comments thus far.
Some family friends who live near them vaguely know them, but not well enough for me to find out anything that isn’t already in the press.
Varsha Sabhnani sure looks like she’s the one who could be doing the witchcraft !
Just imagine the mean-heartedness…you’re rich beyond your wildest dreams, living in a mansion, whirlwind lavish life…and you begrudge your poor servants milk and basic food. You get upset by the ‘theft’ of some MILK. As they say ‘laakhon mein khel rahe hain’ but so small-hearted and vicious. Disgusting. Not to mention the abuse and torture. Justice seems to have been well-served in this case.
This is absolutely terrible. I hope the Indonesian maids get permanent residency and win a lawsuit against these sadists. From what I’ve read, this couple has a perfume company and own several perfume labels and had 1.5 million dollars cash in the bank. I hope the maids are able to get several million dollars each.
Poor Little Tina will probably have to move to Lefrak City and go to state college – hahahahaha!
It just occured to me, has the mother been abusing her four children? I don’t believe she was a peaceful person and then just started doing these sadistic things when the maid arrived. Who was she tormenting before the Indonesian maids were hired?
If she was torturing the kids then they might have grown up with severe psychological problems and become morally depraved as well. In that case I feel very sorry for the kids.
#22 Al_Chutiya_for_debauchery ….this is the funniest comment EVER!
this is the perfect example of why money isn’t everything. some people care so much about becoming rich, but look at how this family lived …barely living at all. i hope the court has prevented this family from amending their estates and transfering all of their assets to cayman!
reading this news story just raises a bunch of random questions in my mind:
i do wonder what will become of the children. might they also be held accountable for what happened? are they evil like their mother and abusing their own house help?
did the neighbors have any clue this was going on for five years? did they ever act on this knowledge or ask questions?
what will happen to the immigration status of the victims? they arrived here on lawful B-1 visitors visas, that have since expired; and their passports were confiscated by the evil family. will the US allow them to be granted legal permanent residence now for their undue hardship? do they even want to stay in the US?
p.s. for all you non-believers about whether any abuse actually took place, do check out the pictures, then decide (shout out to #5 retorts): http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzslav1218,0,6927041.story