Suspected slaveholders' kids testify for prosecution

Two daughters of the Muttontown couple accused of enslavement were called to testify before the grand jury in Central Islip Tuesday. Dakshina Sabhnani, 19, and her 20-year-old sister, Tina, were granted

News 12 Staff

Jul 17, 2007, 10:24 PM

Updated 6,391 days ago

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Two daughters of the Muttontown couple accused of enslavement were called to testify before the grand jury in Central Islip Tuesday.
Dakshina Sabhnani, 19, and her 20-year-old sister, Tina, were granted immunity for their testimony against their parents, Mahender and Varsha Sabhnani. Dakshina took so long on the stand, in fact, that Tina's turn was postponed until next week.
Both the Sabhnani's children declined to comment on the proceedings, which will remain sealed until the grand jury releases its findings at an unspecified date.
Varsha and Mahender Sabhnani are accused of forcing two Indonesian housekeepers to work as slaves for as much as five years.
Bail has been set at $4.5 million, but home detention details are holding up their release. The couple agreed to the house arrest, which includes paying for three armed guards and having their phones and Internet use monitored.
The next bail hearing is scheduled for Friday. Lawyers for the couple said if that goes well, their clients could be released on bond next week.
Related Information:Stillno deal on Muttontown couple's bailCourtOKs bail proceedings in slavery case