Strangeland
STRANGELAND from audiochuck is an investigative series that examines cases in immigrant neighborhoods.
Season 2: Murder is Maple Shade is hosted by investigative journalist Ben Adair and award-winning journalist with more than 30 years experience across three continents, Tinku Ray.
Maple Shade, New Jersey is a quaint suburb where the motto is, “Nice Town, Friendly People.” But on the evening of March 23, 2017, an Indian tech worker, Sasikala Narra, and her six-year-old son, Anish, were found brutally murdered in their apartment. Police questioned the husband and father, Hanumantha, but his alibi checked out. Six years later, the case is still unsolved, and authorities won’t discuss it. So, we’re investigating for ourselves and discovering new leads, potential motives, and questionable behavior by local authorities. Will there ever be justice for Sasikala and Anish?
Strangeland is produced by Western Sound.
Our Editor's Take
The Strangeland podcast is a true crime series that has an original theme. The series focuses on unsolved crimes involving first-generation Americans. Investigative journalists Ben Adair and Tinku Ray cohost. Sharon Choi cohosted the first season of the podcast. The show debuted in 2021.
Strangeland can be graphic and vivid, but therein lies its ability to fascinate listeners. At times, the podcast becomes shocking. The podcast incorporates primary source interviews and documents woven together. Season one revolves around a murder case in Los Angeles, California. Three people were killed in Koreatown-a mother, her son, and the child's nanny. Who committed the crime? The podcast hosts investigate.
With season two, the Strangeland podcast explores another terrible crime. This season talks about another immigrant mother and son murdered. In this case, the family lived in Maple Shade, New Jersey, what seems to be an idyllic suburb. The killings occurred on March 23, 2017, yet many questions still remain in the case. The hosts explore the murders, each conducting impressive investigations. Listeners are present for conversations with those who knew the family. Some of the conversations get quite emotional. The hosts try to find out what happened in this case. Do they help the family find justice? Listeners will hear what happened.
Strangeland combines narration, source material, and music to keep listeners wanting more. There is also the subtext of the crimes involving immigrants. Sometimes, the authorities don't seem to do a thorough job investigating such murders. This show tries to make up for that. Thanks to the skills of the hosts, listeners hear a compelling true crime podcast about overlooked crimes.
