Indian Housemaid’s Arm Cut Off by Saudi Employer

Many of these maids simply disappear. New Delhi (CNN)

A Saudi employer chopped off the right arm of an Indian domestic worker after she complained to police that the employer was mistreating her, the woman’s sister said Friday.

Kasthuri Munirathinam, 58, was employed by a Saudi household in Riyadh three months ago, her sister S. Vijayakumari told CNN on the phone from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Vijayakumari said the family was told about the attack on September 30.

According to Vijayakumari, Munirathinam’s employer cut off her arm after she told local police that she was being mistreated, not being paid and not given enough food.

The Indian government has complained to Saudi Arabia about the incident.

“We are aware of the plight of Ms. Kasthuri Munirathinam, a domestic help who has suffered serious injuries allegedly inflicted by her Saudi Arabian sponsor,” Indian external affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement Thursday night.

New Delhi demanded that Riyadh order an independent investigation of the incident.

Munirathinam is being treated at a Saudi hospital, the External Affairs Ministry statement said.

India also called for Saudi authorities to charge the employer with attempted murder.

“This is a very unfortunate and most condemnable incident. Our embassy in Riyadh has taken up the matter with the Saudi Foreign Office and asked for strict action in the matter and severe punishment for the sponsor,” Swarup said.

“We will continue to seek justice for the victim,” he added.