US police fatally shoot Telangana tech professional; family claims motive unapparent, appeals for aid to transport deceased home
In the early hours of September 3, 2023, a shocking incident occurred in Santa Clara, USA, resulting in the loss of life of a 29-year-old Indian man named Mohammed Nizamuddin. Nizamuddin, a software professional from Telangana's Mahabubnagar district, had been living and working in California. His life was tragically cut short following a violent altercation with his roommate.
Police responded to the incident around 6:18 am on September 3. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered the suspect, who was allegedly armed with a knife. The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, but what followed was a tragic turn of events.
The police officer's actions prevented further harm and saved at least one life, according to Police Chief Cory Morgan. However, the shooting of Nizamuddin has left his family in deep mourning.
His father, Hasnuddin, was informed of the shooting on Thursday morning. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Hasnuddin has requested assistance in repatriating his son's body to Mahabubnagar. He also stated that he does not know the reasons why police shot his son dead.
Two knives were recovered from the scene, but it is unclear if these were used during the altercation. Hasnuddin is seeking urgent help from Indian officials in Washington and San Francisco.
It is worth noting that Mohammed Nizamuddin was not arrested by any U.S. authorities on suspicion of assault before being killed by Santa Clara police. Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tahreek (MBT), shared the family's appeal with the media.
Nizamuddin had completed his MS in the US before taking up work as a software professional there. His death has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in the US and back home in India.
The incident is under investigation, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Our thoughts are with the family of Mohammed Nizamuddin during this difficult time.
