KAKINADA: A major development has emerged in the sensational Kakinada Panchayat Raj Assistant Engineer Nookaraju family suicide case, with a court remanding the prime accused, Sadik Khan, to 14 days of judicial custody.
Sadik Khan, who had allegedly been absconding since the incident, was arrested by police in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He was brought to Kakinada on Monday and produced before the court following a medical examination. The court subsequently ordered judicial remand, and he was shifted to Kakinada Sub-Jail.
Kakinada SP Bindumadhav said that the investigation so far indicated that alleged harassment by Sadik Khan was a key factor behind the family’s extreme step.
Two suicide letters emerge as key evidence
According to the SP, two suicide letters have emerged as important pieces of evidence in the case. One was allegedly written by Nookaraju, while another was recovered from the scooter belonging to his daughter, Soujanya.
The name of Sadik Khan reportedly appeared in both letters. The letters allegedly referred to harassment and indicated that the family had taken the extreme step after being unable to bear the alleged pressure.
The SP said police would rely only on verified evidence during the investigation and would not comment on other letters circulating on social media until their authenticity was established.
Ten police teams searched five states
Following the incident, Sadik Khan allegedly switched off his mobile phones and attempted to evade arrest. Police formed 10 special teams and conducted searches across five states before finally tracing and arresting him in Meerut.
After his arrest, Sadik was questioned at Sarpavaram Police Station by a team comprising an ASP and five Circle Inspectors. Police are now preparing to seek his custody to question him further.
The SP said a custody petition would be filed before the court on Tuesday. Investigators expect the custodial interrogation to reveal additional details relevant to the case.
Shooting academy also under investigation
Police will also conduct a detailed investigation into the shooting academy allegedly run by Sadik Khan, the SP said. Investigators are examining all aspects of the case and are expected to verify the allegations and evidence before filing the charge sheet.
The SP appealed to people facing harassment or threats not to resort to extreme measures but to approach the police. He assured that the identity of complainants would be kept confidential and that necessary protection and assistance would be provided.
The SP also pointed out that the Nookaraju family had not lodged a formal complaint with police before the incident.
Vijay Sai Reddy makes serious allegations
Meanwhile, the case has also triggered a political controversy. Former MP Vijay Sai Reddy made serious allegations against Sadik Khan, claiming that the incident was not merely a case of harassment and alleging a larger conspiracy. He referred to the matter as “love jihad” and demanded that the alleged angle be investigated.
Vijay Sai Reddy visited the family of Nookaraju’s son-in-law Jagadeeshwar Reddy at Ravulapalem in Konaseema district and met the surviving child, Riyansh Karthikeya Reddy.
Speaking to the media, he alleged that Sadik Khan had targeted and harassed several Hindu families in the Kakinada and Rajahmundry areas. He further alleged that Sadik and several others were operating as a group and made claims involving alleged religious conversion, property disputes and financial exploitation.
He also alleged that properties, cash and gold belonging to Nookaraju’s family had been taken under pressure. These allegations, however, remain subject to police investigation and independent verification.
Tragic incident on August 16
Nookaraju, 61, a Panchayat Raj Assistant Engineer, his wife Meena, 58, daughter Soujanya, 38, and grandson Riyansh were involved in the tragic incident at the Rajahmundry Road-cum-Rail Bridge on the night of August 16.
According to police, the family jumped into the Godavari River. Local residents alerted the authorities, following which police and fishermen launched a rescue operation.
Riyansh survived after reportedly swimming for around 20 minutes and calling for help. Fishermen rescued him, while Nookaraju, Meena and Soujanya died.
Police recovered letters allegedly written by Nookaraju and Soujanya, which reportedly referred to harassment by Sadik Khan. Based on the available evidence, police registered a case and launched a search for the accused.
With Sadik Khan now in judicial custody, investigators are expected to seek his police custody and examine the allegations and evidence in detail. The forthcoming interrogation could prove crucial in establishing the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths of the Nookaraju family.
