Forced Labor Operation Discovered in Texas Home
In a shocking revelation, police have arrested four individuals in Texas for operating a forced labor scheme from a seemingly ordinary home. Fifteen women were discovered living in a house in Princeton, approximately 45 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. The women were found sleeping on the floor and working under coercion.
Details of the investigation
According to Fox 4 News, a welfare check led to the discovery of the women, who were forced to sleep on the floor in a sparsely furnished home. The house contained only blankets, computers, and other electronics. Police were alerted by a pest control company called to the residence for a bedbug issue. The inspector noted multiple young women sleeping on the floors with large amounts of luggage.
Arrests and charges
Chandan Dasireddy, 24; Dwaraka Gunda, 31; Santhosh Katkoori, 31; and Anil Male, 37, were arrested in March and charged with human trafficking. Police revealed that the women were forced to work for Katkoori and several shell companies owned by him and his wife, Gunda. A search of the home uncovered laptops, cell phones, printers, and fraudulent documents.
Further investigation revealed that the forced labor operation spanned multiple locations in Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney, involving dozens of victims, including adult males. Over 100 people were connected to the scheme, with more than half identified as victims. Additional electronics and documents were seized from other locations, and more arrests are anticipated.
The neighborhood is in shock, with residents expressing disbelief over the events. Neighbor Herbert Logan remarked, “I would’ve never thought that something like this was going on a few houses down from mine.” Another neighbor, Steven Watkins, said he had “no idea about anything” and found it “really dark to think about.”
Ongoing investigation
Princeton Police Chief James Waters highlighted the complexity of the case, noting that investigators uncovered numerous clues and scenes related to the operation. Police have not disclosed the origins of the victims or whether they attempted to escape. The investigation continues as authorities work to bring all perpetrators to justice.