Indian Man Charged with Double Murder After Eight-Year Hunt
UPDATE: An Indian man has been charged with the brutal murders of a mother and her young son, a shocking case that has remained unsolved for over eight years. Nazeer Hameed, 38, faces two counts of first-degree murder following a lengthy investigation that has drawn the attention of authorities in both the United States and India.
Officials from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office announced the charges against Hameed on Tuesday, revealing that he was linked to the grisly killings of Sasikala Narra, 38, and her 6-year-old son, Anish Narra, after a blood droplet found at the crime scene matched his DNA. The murders took place in their Maple Shade apartment on March 23, 2017, and left investigators reeling from the horrific nature of the crime.
The case gained renewed attention when Hameed’s employer, Cognizant, agreed to send his work-issued laptop for forensic analysis, leading to a breakthrough in the case. Hameed, who has been living in Shiriya, India, is currently the target of extradition efforts by U.S. officials. Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw emphasized, “This office will not rest until justice is served,” urging both the U.S. and Indian governments to cooperate in bringing Hameed to face charges.
The tragic scene was described as “unimaginable” by Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher J. Fletcher. Both victims bore multiple stab wounds, indicating a violent struggle, while authorities suspect Hameed had been stalking Hanumantha Narra, Sasikala’s husband. Hameed returned to India just six months after the murders, taking extensive measures to erase his digital footprint, complicating the investigation.
The bodies of Sasikala and Anish were discovered after Hanumantha returned home from work and called 911, expressing horror at the bloodshed he encountered. Emergency calls reveal his devastation: “There’s blood everywhere,” he told dispatchers, capturing the heart-wrenching moment of discovery.
In a recent twist, Hanumantha received nearly $1 million from his wife’s estate and life insurance policy in 2023 after a protracted legal battle. He now resides in Colorado, while Sasikala’s mother in India received the remaining portion of the estate.
The case has drawn significant media coverage, including a podcast titled “Murder in Maple Shade,” which has reignited public interest. Community leaders, such as Jayesh Parikh from the Indian Cultural Center, expressed gratitude for the relentless efforts of law enforcement over the years.
Authorities continue to work on the extradition process to bring Hameed back to the U.S., and the next steps remain critical in this high-profile case. As developments unfold, the pursuit of justice for Sasikala and Anish Narra remains a priority for officials and their families.
