DNA Match on Company Laptop Identifies Suspect in 2017 Double Homicide of Indian Mother and Son

Hameed resided within walking distance of the Narra family.

More than eight years following the deaths of Andhra native Sasikala Narra and her son Anish in their New Jersey apartment, US authorities have announced charges against an Indian national. According to prosecutors, Nazeer Hameed was a colleague of Sasikala Narra's husband at a New Jersey company and lived within walking distance from the victims' residence.

After the murder, Hameed fled to India. His connection to the case was established when a recent DNA sample from his company-issued laptop matched a blood sample from the crime scene. Consequently, authorities have filed murder charges and related offenses against the suspect and are pursuing his extradition to America, as reported by US media outlets.

Patrick Thornton, Burlington County Prosecutor's Office chief of investigations, informed the media that Hameed was working in the US on a visa when the incident occurred. He subsequently returned to India and has remained there since.

On March 23, 2017, when Hanu Narra returned to his home at Fox Meadow Apartments in Maple Shade, he discovered his 38-year-old wife, Sasikala Narra, and his 6-year-old son, Anish, dead in their apartment.

Both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds, and police later noted that defensive wounds indicated they had attempted to fight back.

Investigators collected numerous bloodstain samples from the crime scene. During the investigation, they determined that one blood droplet did not belong to either victim or Hanu Narra.

Nazeer Hameed became a person of interest when police discovered he had previously been accused of stalking Hanu Narra, his colleague at Cognizant Technologies. While Hameed lived within walking distance of the Narras, he relocated to India six months after the double homicide.

The suspect remained employed by Cognizant even after returning to India. Authorities believe Hameed utilized his extensive technology background to cover his tracks and conceal his criminal history.

Investigators contacted authorities in India and approached Hameed, requesting a DNA sample. However, he refused this request.

Determined to obtain DNA evidence, authorities secured a court order in 2024, requiring Cognizant to submit Hameed's company-issued laptop. Eventually, investigators obtained a DNA contributor from the laptop that matched the unknown blood droplet from the crime scene, connecting Hameed to the murders.

Investigators remain uncertain about Hameed's alleged motive for the brutal killings. However, based on the circumstances, they believe he harbored some personal vendetta against Hanu Narra.

Currently, investigators are collaborating with the Department of Justice to extradite Hameed to the United States to face charges.