NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Maple Shade, NJ, November 20, 2025: More than eight years after 38-year-old Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son Anish were found brutally stabbed to death inside their apartment, authorities in Burlington County have announced charges against an Indian national now living in India.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said Nazeer Hameed, a former New Jersey resident and colleague of Sasikala’s husband at a local technology firm, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He has not been arrested and remains in India.
Breakthrough in Cold Case
The killings occurred on March 23, 2017, at the Fox Meadow Apartments in Maple Shade. When police arrived, both victims were found with multiple stab wounds; the child had suffered severe injuries, including near-decapitation. Autopsy reports showed both had defensive wounds.
For years, the investigation stalled. A small droplet of blood found at the scene did not match the victims or Sasikala’s husband, Hanu Narra, who discovered the bodies after returning home from work. Investigators later determined the blood belonged to a male of Central Asian ancestry.
According to prosecutors, the case advanced after investigators subpoenaed a work-issued laptop once used by Hameed. Forensic testing of the keyboard produced a DNA profile that authorities say matches the unidentified blood droplet recovered from the crime scene.
Suspect Left the U.S. Months After Killings
Hameed, who previously lived within walking distance of the victims’ apartment, left the United States for India about six months after the murders and has remained there since. Prosecutors said he repeatedly declined to provide a DNA sample when U.S. authorities requested one.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said the United States has been working with federal agencies — including the FBI, the Department of Justice and the Department of State — to seek cooperation from Indian authorities and begin the extradition process.
Motive Still Unclear
Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive. Officials said New Jersey law does not require prosecutors to establish motive to pursue murder charges. There is no indication yet that Hameed or his legal representatives have issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
Community Reaction
The double homicide shook the South Jersey Indian community in 2017, and the case remained unresolved for years despite national and international attention. Local cultural groups assisted investigators with translation and outreach efforts, and community members have welcomed the development.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as they continue to work toward securing Hameed’s return to the United States to face the charges.
