Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Rifle Coach Arrested After Andhra Family River Deaths
A government engineer and two members of his family died after entering the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
The engineer’s young grandson was rescued and survived.
Police found a note that allegedly connected a rifle-shooting coach to what happened before the deaths.
The coach, Sheikh Sadhik Khan, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh.
Police are questioning him and checking his relationship with the family.
They are also investigating whether other people were involved.
Former MP Vijayasai Reddy says the case may be part of a larger conspiracy.
Officials say the investigation has not established a link to the alleged “love jihad.”
Panchayat Raj assistant engineer Thillapudi Nookaraju, his wife, and daughter died after allegedly jumping into the Godavari River.
The engineer’s 10-year-old grandson survived after fishermen rescued him from the river.
Police arrested rifle-shooting coach Sheikh Sadhik Khan in Meerut after a pursuit across five states.
A note allegedly written by Nookaraju linked Khan to events preceding the deaths, prompting charges including extortion, murder, and alleged forced religious conversion.
Former MP Vijayasai Reddy has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation or National Investigation Agency probe, while officials say no alleged “love jihad” link has been established.
- Who
- Panchayat Raj assistant engineer Thillapudi Nookaraju, his wife Meena, daughter Sowjanya, and his 10-year-old grandson were involved; rifle-shooting coach Sheikh Sadhik Khan was arrested.
- What
- Nookaraju, his wife, and daughter died after allegedly jumping into the Godavari River; police arrested Khan over allegations connected to the deaths.
- When
- The incident occurred on the intervening night of August 16 and 17; Khan was later arrested in Meerut.
- Where
- The deaths occurred at the road-cum-rail bridge in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh; Khan was arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Police are examining an allegedly incriminating note and the circumstances preceding the deaths, including allegations of extortion, forced religious conversion, and possible involvement by others.
Police Investigation
Broader-Conspiracy Allegations
Scope of the case
Police Investigation
Police are questioning Sheikh Sadhik Khan, examining the note allegedly written by Nookaraju, reconstructing events, and checking whether others were involved.
Broader-Conspiracy Allegations
Former MP Vijayasai Reddy alleges that Khan belonged to a 10-member group involved in religious conversions, extortion, gun supply, and anti-national activities, and has sought a wider central investigation.
Alleged wider targeting
Police Investigation
Officials have not established a link to the alleged “love jihad” and are still investigating the claims in the note.
Broader-Conspiracy Allegations
Reddy claims the alleged group targeted about 15 other families in and around Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram and says the case may involve other states and countries.
- Incident location
- Road-cum-rail bridge over the Godavari River in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh
- Incident date
- Intervening night of August 16 and 17
- Deaths
- Thillapudi Nookaraju, his wife Meena, and daughter Sowjanya died
- Survivor
- Nookaraju’s 10-year-old grandson was rescued by fishermen
- Arrested suspect
- Rifle-shooting coach Sheikh Sadhik Khan
- Arrest location
- Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
- Investigation request
- Former MP Vijayasai Reddy requested a Central Bureau of Investigation or National Investigation Agency probe