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Santa Clara, California / Mahabubnagar, Telangana — A 30-year-old Indian techie from Mahabubnagar district in Telangana, Mohammed Nizamuddin, was fatally shot by police in Santa Clara, California, on September 3, after authorities say he stabbed his roommate. His family, however, is contesting parts of the official narrative and has called for a full, fair investigation.
What the Police Say
The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) was called to a residence early in the morning (around 6:08 am local time) after a 911 call reported a stabbing inside the home.
When officers arrived, they say they found Nizamuddin inside his residence armed with a knife and in the process of pinning down his roommate, who was already seriously injured.
Police maintain that Nizamuddin ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, prompting the officers to shoot. He was then rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
The roommate survived and is being treated in hospital.
What the Family and Associates Are Claiming
Nizamuddin’s family questions several aspects of the police version of events. They say they only learned of his death through friends more than two weeks after it occurred.
The family claims that Nizamuddin had called the police for help before the conflict escalated. According to them, he was not the aggressor.
In the days leading up to his death, Nizamuddin had made public his dissatisfaction with his work environment. He posted on LinkedIn alleging racial harassment, wage fraud, wrongful termination, as well as claims of being harassed, evicted, and even subjected to food poisoning.
The family has appealed to the Indian government’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for help in bringing his body back to India, and to ensure that a transparent investigation is conducted.
What Is Not Yet Clear / Points Under Investigation
The exact sequence of how the situation escalated — who stabbed whom first, how the roommate was injured, whether commands were given and followed, what the officers saw just before they fired. The family’s version differs in key respects.
The time delay in informing Nizamuddin’s family.
How many rounds were fired by police. Local media reports mention four rounds.
Whether there is video or body-camera footage, or third-party witness statements, that corroborate either side’s claims. That has not been publicly confirmed.
Investigation status : The Santa Clara Police Department and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office have launched a joint inquiry.
Personal Background
Nizamuddin moved to the U.S. in 2016 to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science in Florida. After completing his studies, he worked as a software professional, including in Santa Clara.
He had reportedly been promoted and shifted to Santa Clara, but also claimed he was later wrongfully terminated from his job.
Family describes him as quiet, religious, and someone who had raised grievances about workplace discrimination and other hardships.
Reactions & Next Steps
The family has formally asked the Indian government to assist with the repatriation of Nizamuddin’s remains.
There is also pressure from community leaders and civil society groups to ensure the investigation is transparent and addresses allegations of racial bias.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of foreign nationals by law enforcement in the U.S., particularly regarding the adequacy of procedural safeguards when police respond to domestic or roommate disputes.
What began, as per official sources, as a violent domestic incident in Santa Clara has spiralled into an international dispute laden with conflicting narratives. On one side are law enforcement reports that depict an armed threat and a necessary use of force. On the other are deeply personal family accounts that challenge the framing of events and allege broader issues of discrimination and neglect.
As the joint investigation proceeds, many questions remain unanswered. For the family in Mahabubnagar, a key concern is not only uncovering what really happened on that tragic morning of September 3, but also ensuring that justice is done.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like NDTV, Hindustan Times, Times of India, etc.) transparently.]
