September 3, 2025, an Indian tech professional settled in the United States was shot dead by the US police. The techie was Mohammed Nizamuddin, a 30 year old Indian man from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, who was a well-settled software developer in Santa Carla, California, United States. As per the reports, Nizamuddin had shifted to the US for completing his masters degree in 2016, and ever since then he had been living there after he occupied a tech job for himself after post-graduating. Some reports state that Nizamuddin was a victim of racial subjugation in the US and has posted on his LinkedIn account regarding the same. While as per the neighbor of Nizamuddin, he and his roommate were having a violent fight with each other which escalated to a higher level which had led the neighbors to call the police. The unjustified death of Nizamuddin in California has raised serious questions about the workings of the police system in California and the safety procedures of international professionals in such lands. Indian community is now enraged after the incident seeking the truth behind the misleading narrative set by the Santa Carla police.
What was the Incident?
According to the initial reports, the Santa Carla Police department (SCPD) stated that they received a phone call on 3rd September at 6:08 am on 911 by the neighbors of Nizamuddin regarding a violent fight taking place in his apartment. Upon the arrival of the police, they witnessed that Nizamuddin was having a physical confrontation with his roommate who was pinned down by him. Nizammuddin was holding a knife while trying to attack his roommate, seeing the escalation of the fight; the police discharged their firearms in which Nizamuddin got shot. He was straight away taken to the local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
Investigations underway
Gaining public attention in India, this news has terrified the citizens of India regarding their safety in foreign nations. Multiple investigations have been launched into the incident. The investigations are focusing on whether the officers who opened a firearm followed the procedures or was there some other reason for Nizamuddin’s death. His LinkedIn posts related to racial discrimination in these places are also making people question whether the story narrated by the police officials of the US is true or not. The family of Nizamuddin is fighting to know the real truth and bring back the body of their son home.
Family response and demands
Family of Nizamuddin which is settled in Telangana has expressed their grief over the unfair death of their child. They have also raised questions about the circumstances which led to Nizamuddin’s death. Calling for a thorough investigation and the revelation of the truth, the family is now seeking assistance from the Indian government to bring back the body of their child to India and ensure an honest and comprehensive review of the case. Father of deceased Nizamuddin wrote in his letter to S.Jaishankar, “This morning, I came to know that my son was shot dead by Santa Clara Police, and his mortal remains are in a hospital in Santa Clara. I do not know the actual reasons why the police shot him.” (stated in The New Indian Express report)
What did the police say?
The Santa Carla Police Department (SCPD) stated that the violent confrontation between the roommates had already reached a life-threatening position. Two knives were also recovered from the scene from which the roommates were attacking each other. Defending the police shot aimed at Nizamuddin, Chief Morgan of the SCPD stated as per The New Indian Express, “Based on our preliminary investigation, we believe the officer’s actions prevented further harm and clearly saved at least one life.”
Broader community Implications
After the news broke out, the Indian citizens living in foreign countries are now concerned for their safety in new lands. This Indian community is now filled with grief, anger and concern for such citizens. These communities are now calling for justice and are reminding the authorities of the contributions Indians make in American economy and society as a whole. After background investigation of Nizamuddin, it was presented that he was always under attack on the basis of racial biases, based on this discrimination; the community advocates are using this case now to highlight the patterns of racial profiling and cultural disrespect in America.
The Way forward
As the investigations continue, family of Nizamuddin is still stuck with grief and hoping for the government of US to give back the family the body of their child. The family has also written a pleading letter to External affairs minister of India, S. Jaishankar, asking him to help them bring back the body of their son. However, this case is highlighting the need for clearer protocols regarding notification and assistance when foreign nationals are involved in serious incidents abroad. The Indian government has been urged to develop more robust support systems for citizens facing difficulties in foreign lands such as America, particularly regarding legal assistance and advocacy for such residents.
Conclusion
The tragic and unjustified death of Mohammed Nizamuddin is serving as stark reminder to the Indian government regarding safety concerns for Indians in foreign lands. With the ongoing investigations, the family of Nizamuddin and the Indians are seeking the truth of his death. The community is asking the SCPD to provide a transparent answer to the questions raised by the incident. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office has launched a parallel investigation alongside the police department’s internal review, examining whether proper protocols were followed during the incident. Current reports as presented by the SCPD suggest that body camera footage exists and will be crucial in determining the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome. The citizens of India are now waiting for the truth to unfold and are expecting the Indian government to take the needed actions for bringing back Nizamuddin’s body to India for his final rites.
