(KALAMAZOO) – Three people have been arrested after allegedly labor trafficking a woman brought to the United States under the auspices of
marriage.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessell, along with representatives of the Three Rivers Police, the Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Attorney General, announced that charges have been brought against three individuals.

Nessel says 40 year old Ikbahl Singh Machhal, 67 year old Kartar Chand and 66 year old Shila Devi, all of Three Rivers, were each charged with one county of human trafficking forced labor, and one count of human trafficking enterprise. Each is a ten year felony.

The defendants allegedly began trafficking the now 33 year old woman from India in 2012 when the family forcibly moved her from Pennsylvania to Michigan when her husband, Machhal, and the in-laws Chand and Devi, came to own the Broadway Market in Three Rivers. Shortly after arriving in Michigan, the victim began working at the store, allegedly never receiving payment.

The defendants are also accused of requiring the victim to work 8 to 9 hours a day, 7 days a week, against her will and under threat of severe physical, mental and emotional abuse.

It’s alleged this continued for approximately 8 years until the victim was able to leave her home with the assistance of the YWCA Kalamazoo and local law enforcement in October 2020 following domestic violence charges against her husband.

Three Rivers Police Officer Matt Kilbourn uncovered the scheme after he identified signs of labor trafficking during a hospital visit with the victim, after suspected domestic violence. Due to Officer Kilbourn’s vigilance and dedication, the victim was able to leave her abuser.

Machhal and Devi were arraigned in St. Joseph County District Court, following their arrest on Monday. Their bond was set at $1 million each. Chand has been charged but not arrested, having fled to India.

Machhal and Devi will be back in District Court May 18 for a probable cause conference.