An Indian-origin property owner in Pennsylvania faces a federal lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice. The complaint accuses Venkatchalam Mani of sexually harassing a female tenant and retaliating after she rejected his advances. The suit, lodged Wednesday in the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, claims Mani made repeated unwanted sexual advances, including physical contact, at his rental property in State College. After the tenant declined, he allegedly refused maintenance requests, such as fixing a broken furnace in winter. The furnace later ignited, forcing the woman and her family to vacate. Officials stated the landlord withheld repairs due to the rejection, leaving the family without housing. The Justice Department seeks compensation for the tenant and children plus an order barring future similar actions. The case originated from a complaint to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which found violations of the Fair Housing Act before referring it to federal prosecutors.
