A 30-year-old Indian software engineer from Telangana was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, earlier this month. The man, identified as Mohammed Nizamuddin from Mahabubnagar, was killed after police claimed he stabbed his roommate. His family, however, has alleged racial discrimination and is demanding a fair and thorough investigation.
What Police Said
According to the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), officers rushed to a residential property on September 3 following a 911 call about a stabbing. On arrival, police found Nizamuddin holding down his injured roommate while armed with a knife. In a statement, SCPD said: “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.”
His roommate was taken to hospital for treatment and is now reported to be recovering. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and SCPD are currently conducting a joint probe, which officials describe as an “active and open investigation.”
Family’s Counter-Narrative
Relatives of Nizamuddin reject the police account. They claim that he himself had called the police for help before the shooting took place. They described him as a quiet, religious man who had struggled in the US, particularly with workplace discrimination and harassment.
Nizamuddin had earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science in Florida and was working with a Santa Clara-based tech firm. His family pointed out that he had openly spoken about issues such as harassment, wage fraud, and wrongful termination.
Allegations of Racial Harassment
A LinkedIn post linked to Nizamuddin has become a key focus in the case. 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.”
In the same post, he alleged being subjected to food poisoning, eviction, and surveillance by a so-called detective. His family now points to these claims as reasons to doubt the official police version and demand a deeper probe into the circumstances of his death.
Family Appeals for India’s Intervention
The family has requested help from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring Nizamuddin’s body back home. His remains are currently kept in a Santa Clara hospital until the necessary formalities are completed.
Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek, said he had written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both the Indian Embassy in Washington and the San Francisco Consulate to step in and submit a detailed report.
Current Status
For now, the case remains under investigation in California. While US authorities insist they are probing the incident, Nizamuddin’s family continues to allege racial bias and workplace harassment, pressing for answers about what truly led to his tragic death.
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