Sikh couple convicted for forcing relative to work at store in US

Washington: An Indian-origin Sikh couple, Harmanpreet Singh (30) and Kulbir Kaur (43), has been convicted of compelling their relative to work longer hours in their store, subjecting him to physical abuse, making threats, and confiscating his immigration documents.

The victim, who was a minor upon arrival in the US with promises of education, had his immigration documents seized by the couple, who promptly put him to work.

As outlined in court documents, the victim endured several days of sleeping in an office within the store, without even being provided with bread.

Despite his plea to return to India, the couple refused, extending his stay beyond the validity of his visa. The abuse, including beatings and gun threats, persisted from March 2018 to May 2021.

The sentencing is set for May 8, with the couple facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory compensation for the forced labor charge.