A 30-year-old Indian technology professional was fatally shot by police in California on September 3, after allegedly stabbing his roommate during an altercation earlier that evening, authorities have confirmed. The victim’s family, however, has raised serious allegations of racial discrimination and called for a comprehensive investigation into the events leading to his death, claiming that he had contacted the police for assistance prior to the shooting.
In an official statement, the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) detailed that Mohammed Nizamuddin, a resident of Mahabubnagar in Telangana, India, was discovered inside his home in Santa Clara armed with a knife. He was reportedly restraining his injured roommate at the time. Officers had responded to a 911 emergency call reporting a stabbing incident within the residence.
According to the police account, a dispute between Nizamuddin and his roommate had escalated into violence, resulting in multiple injuries to the roommate. “SCPD officers arrived, encountered the suspect, and were involved in an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for their injuries,” the statement read.
The department further noted, “The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the Santa Clara Police Department are conducting a joint investigation. This remains an active and open investigation. As the investigation progresses, we expect to provide an update tomorrow afternoon.”
Nizamuddin’s family, however, presented a contrasting narrative, asserting that it was Nizamuddin himself who had dialled emergency services seeking help before the fatal confrontation with officers. They described him as a quiet, devout individual who had relocated to the United States to pursue advanced studies and a career in technology. Nizamuddin had completed a master’s degree in computer science at a college in Florida and was employed at a tech firm in Santa Clara.
The family revealed that Nizamuddin had previously voiced public concerns about workplace issues, including racial harassment, wage fraud, and wrongful termination. They highlighted a LinkedIn post he had shared, in which he stated: “I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage-fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of Justice.”
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In the same post, he added: “Enough is enough, white supremacy/racist white American mentality has to end.” Nizamuddin had elaborated on specific grievances, including allegations of racial discrimination, the poisoning of his food, unlawful eviction, and what he perceived as ongoing surveillance and intimidation by an individual he referred to as a “detective”. These disclosures painted a picture of a man who had been enduring significant personal and professional hardships, potentially contributing to the tensions that culminated in the tragic events.
Devastated by the loss, Nizamuddin’s family has demanded a thorough and impartial probe into both the allegations of discrimination he raised and the precise circumstances surrounding his death. They have also appealed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for support in repatriating his mortal remains, which are currently held at a hospital in Santa Clara pending completion of necessary formalities.
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Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, who met with Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammed Hasnuddin, confirmed that he had written directly to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In the letter, Khan urged the minister to instruct the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in San Francisco to furnish a detailed report on the incident and facilitate repatriation along with any related administrative processes.
At the time of filing this report, the MEA had not issued an immediate response to the family’s requests or the unfolding situation. The case has drawn attention to broader issues of racial bias and mental health support for Indian expatriates in the United States, with advocacy groups calling for heightened scrutiny to prevent similar tragedies. As the joint investigation by local authorities continues, the family awaits clarity and justice, while grappling with the profound grief of losing a young professional with a promising future.
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