Indian Techie Shot Dead By US Cops At Home, They Say He Stabbed Roommate

Mohammed Nizamuddin was fatally shot by California police on September 3.

Hyderabad:

A 30-year-old software engineer from India was killed by police in California after allegedly attacking his roommate with a knife earlier this month, according to officials. His family has claimed racial discrimination and is calling for an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police reports indicate that Mohammed Nizamuddin, who originated from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, was shot after authorities discovered him inside his Santa Clara residence holding a knife on September 3. He was reportedly restraining his roommate, who had suffered multiple injuries.

Authorities stated they were responding to a 911 emergency call regarding a stabbing incident within the residence. An apparent confrontation between Nizamuddin and his roommate had intensified, resulting in the assault.

"Officers from the Santa Clara Police Department arrived, encountered the suspect, and were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital where they were subsequently pronounced deceased. The victim was transported to a local medical facility and is receiving treatment for their injuries," the official statement noted.

"The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in conjunction with the Santa Clara Police Department are conducting a joint investigation. This remains an ongoing and active investigation. As the inquiry progresses, we anticipate providing an update tomorrow afternoon," the statement continued.

However, Nizamuddin's relatives contend that he was the one who contacted police requesting assistance before being shot.

Nizamuddin had completed a Master's degree in Computer Science at a Florida educational institution and was employed at a technology company in Santa Clara, California. His family described him as a reserved and devout individual who had publicly voiced complaints about racial harassment, wage fraud, and wrongful termination from his employment.

His family also referenced a LinkedIn post authored by him stating: "I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage-fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of Justice."

He further wrote: "Enough is enough, white supremacy/racist white American mentality has to end." The post elaborated on allegations including racial discrimination, food contamination, eviction, and what he characterized as persistent surveillance and intimidation by an alleged detective.

The family has requested a comprehensive investigation into the allegations and the events leading to his death. They have also sought assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to transport his remains, which are currently being held at a Santa Clara hospital pending formalities.

Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, who met with Nizamuddin's father Mohammed Hasnuddin, reported that he has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to request the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in San Francisco to provide a detailed report on the incident and assist with repatriation procedures.

The MEA had not issued an immediate response at the time this report was filed.