JERSEY CITY, NJ (TIP): A woman software professional belonging to Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh and her 7-year-old son were found dead in their home in New Jersey on March 23 evening. N Sasikala, 38, and her son were stabbed “multiple times”. Her husband, Narra Hanumantha Rao, reportedly told the police that he discovered their bodies when he returned home from work.

Narra Hanumantha Rao and his wife Sasikala, both software engineers, hailing from Thimmarajupalem village of Paruchur Mandal in Prakasam district, had moved to USA 9 years back and both worked for the technology company Cognizant.

The killing was raised in parliament on March 24. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, “We are in touch with US authorities who are trying to ascertain the details in the matter. As and when we have details, will let you know.”

Many people, particularly Indians, have speculated that the killings may have been a hate crime. But a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office, to state that there is no evidence it is a bias incident.