Mohammed Nizamuddin, a 30-year-old software engineer from Mahabubnagar district, Telangana, was fatally shot by police in Santa Clara, California, on September 3. The incident occurred following an alleged altercation with his roommate. His family, based in India, learned of his death over two weeks later, on September 18, and has since appealed for assistance to repatriate his body, while also alleging racial harassment and questioning the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police Account of the Incident
According to the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), officers responded to a 911 call on September 3 regarding a disturbance between two roommates, which had reportedly escalated into a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found Nizamuddin allegedly stabbing his roommate and pinning him to the ground. Santa Clara Police Chief stated in a video statement that officers issued multiple verbal commands, which were reportedly ignored. When an officer observed Nizamuddin allegedly bringing a knife down towards the victim, four shots were fired. Nizamuddin was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The roommate was also hospitalized for injuries. Police reported recovering two knives at the scene. The Chief indicated that the officer's actions were believed to have prevented further harm and saved at least one life.
Family's Allegations and Repatriation Efforts
Nizamuddin's family and friends have raised serious concerns regarding the incident. His father, Mohammed Hasnuddin, stated that he learned of his son's death through friends more than two weeks after the event. The family alleges that Nizamuddin had previously claimed to be a victim of racial discrimination and workplace harassment in the U.S. Prior to the shooting, Nizamuddin had reportedly posted on social media, including LinkedIn, alleging 'racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage fraud, wrongful termination, and obstruction of justice.' He also claimed to have been 'wrongfully terminated' from his job and faced 'harassment, discrimination and intimidating behavior' from a 'racist detective and team.' Some family members and friends suggest that Nizamuddin himself had called the police for help before he was shot.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Mohammed Hasnuddin has formally appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco for assistance in repatriating his son's mortal remains to Mahabubnagar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed it is in touch with U.S. authorities and Nizamuddin's family, stating it will 'render all possible assistance.' The MEA also noted that an investigation into the incident is currently underway by local authorities in the U.S. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the Santa Clara Police Department are conducting a joint investigation, which remains active and open.
7 Comments
Leonardo
Was lethal force the only option? This sounds like an excessive response.
Michelangelo
A dangerous situation, quick action was necessary to prevent further harm.
Africa
He was actively stabbing someone. What else were they supposed to do?
Bermudez
Protecting the public is their job. They did it effectively.
Muchacho
Another life taken by police. Racial bias is clearly a factor here.
dedus mopedus
It's a terrible situation where police faced an immediate threat, but the family's history of racial harassment claims needs a thorough investigation to understand the full context.
Noir Black
He might have called for help himself. This is a tragic outcome.