30-year-old Mohammed Nizamuddin was killed in Santa Clara after a stabbing incident. Family demands full investigation and help from Indian authorities.
What Happened?
An Indian software engineer, Mohammed Nizamuddin, originally from Mahabubnagar, Telangana, was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California on September 3. The local police allege that he was holding a knife and attacking his roommate when officers arrived.
According to the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), officers responded to a 911 call about a stabbing. Upon arrival, they say they encountered Nizamuddin, who was armed and on top of his injured roommate.
“An officer-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was taken to a hospital but did not survive,” said the police in an official statement.
Key Points from the Police Statement
- Police responded to an emergency call reporting a violent altercation.
- Nizamuddin was allegedly found assaulting his roommate with a knife.
- Officers opened fire when he allegedly failed to comply.
- The roommate survived and is being treated in hospital.
- A joint investigation is underway by the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office and SCPD.
Who Was Mohammed Nizamuddin?
- 30 years old
- Hailing from Telangana, India
- Pursued a Master’s in Computer Science in Florida
- Employed at a tech firm in Santa Clara, California
Family and friends describe him as a quiet, devout individual who had been struggling with workplace issues and mental stress.
Family Alleges Racial Bias and Seeks Probe
Nizamuddin’s family in India is demanding a full investigation, alleging that racial discrimination may have played a role in his death.
They claim:
- Nizamuddin himself called the police for help before being shot.
- He had repeatedly reported facing racism, wage fraud, harassment, and wrongful termination at work.
- His LinkedIn posts documented emotional distress and alleged he was under constant surveillance by someone he described as a “detective”.
One of his posts read:
“I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, harassment, torture, wage-fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of justice.”
In another, he wrote:
“Enough is enough. White supremacy and racist mentality must end.”
Political and Public Reaction
Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek, met with Nizamuddin’s family and has urged the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene.
He requested:
- A detailed report from the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Consulate General in San Francisco
- Assistance in repatriating the body for final rites in India
So far, there has been no official response from the MEA.
Investigation Status
The incident is under active review by:
- Santa Clara Police Department
- Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
The authorities have said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Family Appeals to Indian Government
Nizamuddin’s family has asked the Indian government to:
- Ensure a transparent probe
- Raise the issue of possible racial profiling
- Help with transporting his remains to India
Key Takeaways
- Indian techie shot dead in California after alleged stabbing.
- Family claims he was the one who called police and was wrongfully killed.
- Social media posts by Nizamuddin point to mental distress and racial abuse.
- Investigation is ongoing, but family demands MEA intervention.
The death of Mohammed Nizamuddin has sparked serious questions about use of force by U.S. police, especially in cases involving immigrants and racial minorities. As investigations continue, his family’s demands for transparency, justice, and government support highlight growing concerns over racial bias, mental health, and law enforcement accountability abroad. The coming days will reveal whether those responsible for his safety—and ultimately his death—will be held accountable.
