N.Y. Judge: $1.5M for diplomat's slave

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NEW YORK, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- A federal judge in New York said an Indian woman should receive nearly $1.5 million for her treatment at the hands of an Indian diplomat and her husband.

Magistrate Judge Frank Maas Wednesday said Neena Malhotra, a diplomat in the Indian Mission to the United Nations, and her husband Jogesh emotionally distressed their ex-maid Shanti Gurung, the New York Post reported Thursday.

The Malhotras compelled Gurung to "work without pay by seizing her passport and visa, restricting her ability to leave their apartment, and constantly warning her that if she traveled on her own without their permission, she would be arrested, beaten, raped and sent back to India as 'cargo,'" Maas wrote.

His recommendation is subject to approval by Judge Victor Marrero, who is overseeing the case, the Post said.

The Malhotras returned to India last year before they could be served with Gurung's lawsuit.