Governor Calls for Extradition of Suspect in Double Murders of Mother and Six-Year-Old Son

Request to Indian Ambassador follows DNA breakthrough linking suspect to killings of mother and 6-year-old son

TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy has formally requested the assistance of the Government of India in the extradition of Indian national Nazeer Hameed, who has been charged in the 2017 murders of Sasikala Narra and her six-year-old son, Anish, in their Maple Shade apartment.

In a letter dated November 24, 2025, addressed to Ambassador Vinay Kwatra of India to the United States, Governor Murphy urged cooperation under the 1997 U.S.–India Extradition Treaty, citing recent forensic evidence that allegedly connects Hameed to the crime scene.

The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office formally filed charges last month after a DNA analysis by the New Jersey State Police DNA Laboratory reportedly linked Hameed to the murders, concluding an investigation that spanned over eight years and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Hameed left the United States roughly six months after the March 2017 killings and is currently believed to be residing in India.

Governor Murphy’s letter emphasized the gravity of the crimes and the importance of international cooperation:

“This heinous crime shocked our state, and for eight years investigators pursued every available lead,” the Governor wrote. “We respectfully seek the assistance of your government under the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of India”.

The extradition request will be made in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, and Murphy assured Indian authorities that any legal proceedings would be conducted in line with the U.S. legal system and the principle of due process, stating:

“Our sole objective is to ensure that [Mr. Hameed] is afforded a fair and transparent judicial process… consistent with the principles of justice shared by both our nations”.

The Governor concluded by expressing gratitude for the continued partnership between the two countries and confidence in their shared commitment to justice:

“I am confident that our mutual commitment to justice and due process will guide this case to a resolution that honors the innocent victims and strengthens our nations’ collaboration in law enforcement matters”.

Hameed is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The extradition process now depends on formal cooperation between Indian and U.S. authorities under the existing bilateral treaty, last updated in 1999.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the timeline or status of extradition proceedings.