Andhra Engineer Family Death: Accused Sk. Sadhik Khan Arrested in UP

Sk. Sadhik Khan, the 26-year-old founder of the PRO Rifle Shooting Academy, has been arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the death of Panchayat Raj Department Assistant Engineer K. Nooka Raju of Pithapuram and three of his family members. High-placed sources associated with the investigation confirmed the arrest to The Hindu on Saturday (August 22, 2026), stating that the accused is likely to be produced before the media on Sunday.

The tragic incident occurred on August 16, when K. Nooka Raju, his wife Meena, their daughter Soujanya, and his grandson were found dead in Rajamahendravaram city. A note left behind by Mr. Nooka Raju accused Mr. Sadhik Khan of harassing his daughter and threatening his family, which allegedly forced them to take the extreme step. The note has become a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

The Sarpavaram police registered a case against Mr. Sadhik Khan on August 17 for abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation. Multiple cases under various sections of the Indian Penal Code have been booked against him, according to officials. The accused, who runs a rifle shooting academy, is believed to have had interactions with the family, and the police are scrutinising the nature of these interactions as part of their investigation.

The search for Mr. Sadhik Khan was a coordinated effort involving seven police teams, as confirmed by Eluru Range Inspector General of Police G.V.G. Ashok Kumar. The teams worked across multiple states, using technical intelligence and ground-level information to trace the accused. He was finally apprehended in Meerut on Friday night. "Mr. Sadhik Khan has been arrested and is likely to be produced before the media on Sunday," a source associated with the investigation said.

Following his arrest, the police are expected to bring Mr. Sadhik Khan to Rajamahendravaram for further interrogation. The investigation will focus on corroborating the contents of the suicide note and establishing the sequence of events that led to the deaths. The police are also examining whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged harassment.

The deaths of the engineer and his family have deeply saddened the local community, with many expressing shock at the tragic turn of events. The family was well-known in the area, and Mr. Nooka Raju was a respected government official. As the investigation progresses, the police have urged the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the legal process to take its course.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to issues of harassment and mental distress. Authorities have also reminded the public that those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling GGH-Kakinada at 98499-03870. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected after the accused is presented to the media.