Fifteen woman in one home: Police uncovers human trafficking ring involving Indian-origin students

New Delhi: An investigation by the Princeton Police Department in Texas has uncovered a labor trafficking scheme targeting individuals, potentially belonging to Telugu origin NRI students. The operation began in March 2024 after a welfare check call on a residence in the 1,000 block of Ginsburg Lane in Collin County.

Investigations underway

Following the initial report, officers launched a deeper investigation that led to a search warrant for the home of Santhosh Katkoori, a non-resident Indian (NRI). Inside the house, authorities discovered fifteen women who were allegedly being forced to work for multiple shell companies owned by Katkoori and his wife identified as Dwaraka Gunda.

Investigators believe the victims, who included both men and women, were programmers by profession. The search yielded a large quantity of electronic devices including computers, phones, printers and fraudulent documents. 

The arrests follow the discovery of over a dozen young women living in grim conditions, forced to sleep on the floor in a home devoid of furniture but filled with computer electronics and blankets.

What was the Police's take?

According to the Princeton Police Department, the investigation expanded to several locations across Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney. Details regarding the specific addresses and the nature of programming work performed for the alleged shell companies remain undisclosed.

Following a thorough analysis of the seized equipment, detectives were able to establish the nature of the operation. On Monday, arrest warrants were issued for four individuals on charges of second-degree felony human trafficking.

Who are the accused?

The arrested suspects include Santhosh Katkoori (31), Dwaraka Gunda (31), Chandan Dasireddy (24), and Anil Male (37), all residents of Melissa, Texas. The police have released no information regarding legal representation for the accused.

The Princeton Police Department emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing and further charges against additional individuals are anticipated. They urge anyone with information regarding the trafficking operation or who may have been a victim to come forward and contact their department.