A tragic incident in the United States has shocked the Indian community, particularly in Telangana, after 30-year-old Mohammed Nizamuddin from Mahabubnagar district was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California. The incident occurred on September 3, 2025, when officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violent altercation between two roommates. Police claim that upon arrival, they found Nizamuddin armed with a knife and pinning down his roommate, who was injured. Despite repeated verbal commands, they allege that Nizamuddin did not comply and instead attempted to stab the victim, prompting one officer to fire four shots. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
While the Santa Clara police have defended their actions, saying they were forced to shoot in order to save the victim’s life, Nizamuddin’s family in Telangana has strongly disputed this account. According to his relatives, he had earlier contacted authorities for help, and they believe the police resorted to excessive force. They allege that his killing was influenced by racial bias and demand an impartial investigation into the circumstances of his death.
The family’s concerns are amplified by Nizamuddin’s own words shortly before his death. In a LinkedIn post, he had written about facing “racial hatred, racial discrimination, and racial harassment” during his time in the U.S. He also mentioned workplace harassment, wage fraud, wrongful termination, eviction, and even being subjected to food poisoning. His father has expressed grief that his son’s cries for justice went unheard and said the family was informed late about the tragedy. They have appealed to the Indian government to ensure a thorough probe and to bring his remains back home swiftly.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it is in touch with U.S. authorities as well as Nizamuddin’s family. Officials from the Indian Consulate in San Francisco have expressed deep sadness over the death and assured support for all consular formalities. However, many unanswered questions remain, particularly regarding the events that led to the confrontation, the use of lethal force, and the validity of Nizamuddin’s claims of racial discrimination and harassment.
For now, the case highlights growing concerns within the Indian diaspora about racial prejudice, workplace exploitation, and the vulnerability of immigrants abroad. As investigations proceed, Nizamuddin’s death is not just being seen as an isolated tragedy, but also as a painful reminder of the challenges faced by many who leave their homeland in search of a better future.