What Led to the Tragic Shooting of a Telangana Techie by US Police?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nizamuddin was a tech professional with a Master's degree.
- His family alleges racial discrimination in the workplace.
- He called for police assistance before the incident.
- The family is seeking justice and a thorough investigation.
- Concerns about police conduct have been raised.
Hyderabad, Sep 19 (NationPress) The family of a 30-year-old tech professional from Telangana is seeking justice after he was fatally shot by police in the United States following an incident where he reportedly stabbed his roommate earlier this month. They have raised concerns of racial bias in his case.
Mohammed Nizamuddin, hailing from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, was shot by police in California on September 3, with his family learning about the incident on September 18.
The tragic event unfolded after Nizamuddin allegedly stabbed his roommate at their residence in Santa Clara. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, while the roommate was also hospitalized for his wounds.
According to the Santa Clara Police, a dispute between Nizamuddin and his roommate escalated, prompting the stabbing. Police responded to a 911 call regarding the incident.
However, Nizamuddin's family asserts that it was he who called the authorities for assistance before the shooting occurred.
Nizamuddin had completed his post-graduate studies in Computer Science at a college in Florida and had secured a position at a tech company in Santa Clara.
The family described him as a quiet and devout individual who had previously raised concerns about racial harassment, wage theft, and wrongful termination at his workplace.
Fifteen days prior to his death, he shared a post on LinkedIn, detailing his experiences of racial discrimination and inadequate pay, claiming that after his dismissal, his former employer hired a detective to surveil him. The family alleges that the roommate he argued with was this same detective.
"I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of justice. Enough is enough; the mentality of white supremacy must end," Nizamuddin wrote on LinkedIn.
The family is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding his death.
Nizamuddin's father, Mohammed Hasnuddin, reached out to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, expressing confusion over the circumstances of his son's shooting and requesting the return of his remains to India.
Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson for Majlis Bachao Tehreek, visited Nizamuddin's family in Mahabubnagar. He urged EAM Jaishankar to ask the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in San Francisco for a detailed report and assistance with repatriation.
Nizamuddin moved to the US in 2015 to pursue a Master's in Computer Science at the Florida Institute of Technology. After graduating, he worked for the Virginia Employment Commission in 2017 and later for SOCH Company from September 2018 to April 2021. He subsequently secured a position at Google (EPAM Systems) and stayed in company housing.
Hasnuddin accused Santa Clara police of cold-blooded murder and called for an in-depth investigation by both Indian and US authorities.
The family stressed that they had not seen Nizamuddin for the last decade and are eager for his remains to be returned promptly.