A 30-year-old Indian software professional from Telangana was fatally shot by police in Santa Clara, California, US, after allegedly stabbing his roommate earlier this month. The incident has sparked allegations of racial discrimination from his family, who are demanding a thorough investigation.
What police said?
The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) said officers responded to a 911 call on 3 September reporting a stabbing at a residential property. On arrival, they found Mohammed Nizamuddin, originally from Mahabubnagar, pinning down his injured roommate while holding a knife.
“SCPD officers arrived, encountered the suspect, and were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased,” the department said in a statement. His roommate was admitted to hospital with injuries and is reported to be recovering.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and the SCPD are jointly investigating the incident. Police said the probe remains “active and open.”
Family vs US Police narrative on the case
Relatives of Nizamuddin contest the official version, insisting that he himself had called the police for help before being shot. They described him as a quiet and religious man, who had faced multiple challenges in the United States, including discrimination at work.
Nizamuddin, who had completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science in Florida, had worked at a Santa Clara-based technology company. His family said he had publicly spoken out about harassment, wage fraud and wrongful termination.
Allegations of racial harassment?
A LinkedIn post attributed to Nizamuddin has drawn attention. In it, he 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 alleged food poisoning, eviction and surveillance by a supposed detective, claims that his family now cite in calling for a probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Family calls for Indian government’s intervention
The family has appealed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for support in repatriating his remains, which are being held at a hospital in Santa Clara pending formalities.
Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek, reportedly said he had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging the Indian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in San Francisco to intervene and provide a detailed report.
For now, the case remains under investigation.