An Indian H-1B worker has filed a lawsuit against a Texas-based company and its Indian boss, alleging trafficking, servitude, and forced labor. Rishikesh Raj Meesala, who was employed by Sai Jitender Kalagra's company, claims that Kalagra insisted Raj pay his own salary and receive nothing from the company.
Background of the Case
According to the lawsuit, Raj came to the United States legally on an F-1 visa, completed his Master's degree in December 2023, and began his Optional Practical Training. In March 2024, Sai Jitendra recruited Raj for an H-1B role, promising lawful employment. Raj's H-1B petition was selected in June 2024, and his employment started on October 1, 2024.
Allegations of Forced Labor
In his lawsuit, Raj stated that he was placed on the "bench," and the company informed him that they would not pay him during this period. Instead, he was required to pay the company to maintain his payroll, without which he would lose his legal immigration status. The lawsuit asserts, "Progress and Kalagara know that USCIS requires regular payrolls to be run for any extension or transfer H-1B application. Thus, by threatening to forgo payroll, Progress and Kalagara were implicitly threatening Rishi with his immigration status. If they didn't run Rishi's payroll, Rishi would not be able to maintain, extend, or transfer his H-1B."
Raj reportedly delivered approximately $8,800 in cash to Progress's Plano office "under threat of losing his immigration status." The company also threatened to turn him over to ICE if he complained.
Unpaid Wages and Coerced Payments
Raj was not paid for October and November 2024. He received a salary in December 2024 and January 2025, but from February 2025 until the filing of the lawsuit, he was denied his salary. The company demanded cash payments exceeding $10,700 for "filing fees, random expenses, and costs associated with the immigration process." They threatened to withdraw Raj's H-1B unless he made these payments. The lawsuit further alleges that in November 2025, the company accessed Raj's Gmail account to check if he was consulting an attorney. Kalagara told Raj's father that if Raj complained, he would let ICE deal with it.
Damages Sought
The lawsuit claims that the company and its owner owe Raj at least $97,248.94 in unpaid wages and coerced payments. Raj also suffered severe mental anguish and panic attacks due to the ordeal. The company has not commented on the lawsuit.
What is Benching in IT?
Benching is a common term in the IT industry, referring to an employee who does not have an ongoing project but remains employed by the company. This period must be paid, and unpaid benching violates US labor laws.
