A 30-year-old Indian techie, Mohammed Nizamuddin from Mahabubnagar, Telangana, was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, after allegedly stabbing his roommate earlier this month. Nizamuddin’s family, however, has alleged racial discrimination and demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Incident details
According to the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), officers responded to a 911 call on September 3 regarding a stabbing inside a residence. Nizamuddin was reportedly found inside the house with a knife, pinning down his roommate, who had sustained multiple injuries.
The police said in a statement: “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 Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and the police department are conducting a joint investigation, which remains active. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Family alleges racial discrimination
Nizamuddin’s family contested the official version, claiming that he had called the police for help before the shooting occurred. The techie, who had completed a Master’s in Computer Science in Florida, was working at a tech firm in Santa Clara.
Described by family as quiet and religious, Nizamuddin had previously raised concerns about racial harassment, wage fraud, and wrongful termination at his workplace. In a LinkedIn post, he reportedly wrote: “I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage-fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of Justice. Enough is enough, white supremacy/racist white American mentality has to end.”
He also detailed allegations of food poisoning, eviction, and continuous surveillance and intimidation by a purported detective.
Calls for intervention and repatriation
The family has sought a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death and requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to repatriate his mortal remains, which are held at a Santa Clara hospital pending formalities.
Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, who met Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammed Hasnuddin, said that a letter has been sent to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The request urges the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in San Francisco to provide a detailed report and assist with repatriation and related formalities.
There was no immediate response from the MEA at the time of filing this report.