Telangana man shot dead by California police; Family alleges racial discrimination

Hyderabad: A 30-year-old Indian software professional was shot dead by police in California after allegedly attacking his roommate with a knife earlier this month. His family, however, has accused the authorities of racial discrimination and has demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to Santa Clara police, the man, identified as Mohammed Nizamuddin from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, was shot on 3 September when officers found him inside his residence armed with a knife. Officials stated he was pinning down his injured roommate, who had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Police said they had responded to an emergency 911 call reporting a stabbing inside the house. They claimed that when Nizamuddin failed to comply with instructions, they opened fire. He was later taken to a local hospital, where he died of gunshot wounds.

There was no immediate response from the MEA at the time this report was filed.

What does the family allege?

Nizamuddin’s relatives have contradicted the police version, saying it was he who had contacted law enforcement for help before being shot. They described him as a quiet and religious person, who had studied for a Master’s in Computer Science at a Florida college and later joined a tech company in Santa Clara.

The family said he had repeatedly spoken out about racial harassment, wage fraud and unfair dismissal from his job. They pointed to one of his LinkedIn posts in which he wrote: “I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage-fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of Justice.”

In the same post, Nizamuddin had also written, “Enough is enough, white supremacy/racist white American mentality has to end.”

He had further alleged food poisoning, eviction, as well as what he described as ongoing surveillance and intimidation by a supposed detective.

What are the demands of the family?

The family has urged authorities to carry out a proper probe into both the stabbing incident and his earlier claims of racial bias. They have also requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assist in bringing back his mortal remains, currently kept in a Santa Clara hospital for formalities.

Who has taken up the matter in India?

Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek, met Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammed Hasnuddin. Khan said he had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, asking him to direct the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in San Francisco to provide a full report and extend support for repatriation and related procedures.