# US Sues Indian-Origin Pennsylvania Landlord Over Alleged Tenant Harassment

2026-08-06T14:10:56+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The US Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against Venkatachalam Mani, an Indian-origin landlord in Pennsylvania’s State College area. The complaint alleges that he made unwanted sexual advances towards a woman tenant, including inappropriate touching, and later ignored repair requests after she rejected him. The tenant reportedly sought repairs to a broken furnace during winter. The government says the conduct violated the Fair Housing Act. The case began after the tenant complained to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The lawsuit seeks damages for the woman and her children, and an order barring similar conduct. The allegations remain unresolved before a federal court. The Justice Department says the case is part of a wider housing harassment initiative.

## Coverage

- news.abplive.com <https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-indian-origin-landlord-sued-over-sexual-harassment-of-woman-tenant-1860596>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/world/indian-origin-landlord-sued-for-sexually-harassing-female-tenant-in-us-article-155320712>

Tags: Fair Housing Act, Pennsylvania, sexual harassment, tenant safety, United States
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