1 hour ago
Last Updated:November 19, 2025, 12:42 IST
Accused Hameed fled to India shortly after the killings in March 2017 and has remained there since.
Indian Man Nazeer Hameed (Left) Charged in 2017 New Jersey Double Murder
Authorities in the United States have filed charges against an Indian national, more than eight years after Andhra Pradesh woman Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son Anish were found brutally murdered in their New Jersey apartment.
The breakthrough came after investigators matched DNA from a company-issued laptop to blood found at the crime scene.
DNA lead reopens cold case
Prosecutors identified the suspect as Nazeer Hameed, a colleague of Sasikala’s husband at Cognizant Technologies. Hameed lived within walking distance of the victims’ residence in Maple Shade, New Jersey, at the time of the murders.
According to Burlington County investigators, Hameed fled to India shortly after the killings in March 2017 and has remained there since. He was working in the US on a visa during the period of the crime.
A DNA sample recently extracted from Hameed’s company-issued laptop, sent to US authorities after a court order, matched an unidentified blood droplet recovered from the crime scene. This match allowed prosecutors to formally charge him with murder and related offences, and initiate extradition proceedings.
What do we know about the 2017 crime?
On 23 March 2017, Sasikala’s husband, Hanu Narra, returned home to find his wife and young son stabbed to death. Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds and had defensive injuries, indicating a violent struggle.
During the investigation, police discovered a bloodstain at the scene that did not match any member of the Narra family. This discovery was critical in ruling out Hanu Narra early in the inquiry.
Hameed was identified as a person of interest after authorities found he had previously been accused of stalking Hanu. He returned to India six months after the murders but continued working remotely for Cognizant.
When approached in India, Hameed refused to provide a DNA sample to investigators. Authorities then obtained a court order in 2024 compelling Cognizant to surrender his company laptop.
Forensic specialists extracted a DNA contributor from the device, leading to the conclusive match linking Hameed to the blood collected at the crime scene.
Investigators believe Hameed used his technological expertise to conceal digital traces of his alleged involvement.
Extradition efforts underway
Police say the motive behind the killings remains unclear but suggest a possible personal vendetta against Hanu Narra. With charges now filed, US authorities are working with the Department of Justice to secure Hameed’s extradition from India.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...
Read More
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
November 19, 2025, 12:42 IST
News world 8 Years After Crime, DNA Breakthrough Links Indian Man To Murder Of Andhra Woman, Her Child In US
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