Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The fatal shooting of Telangana native Mohammed Nizamuddin by police in Santa Clara, California, has triggered outrage and grief, with conflicting versions from law enforcement, neighbours and his family. Santa Clara police called him an “armed aggressor,” while his kin allege a hasty, excessive response.
1. Who Was Nizamuddin
The 32-year-old hailed from Mahabubnagar, Telangana, and moved to the US in 2016 for higher studies. He worked in California after a promotion from a Florida firm.
2. Roommate Quarrel Turned Violent
Reports suggest an argument over an air-conditioning issue escalated into a knife fight between roommates on September 3.
3. Police Response And Shooting
Neighbours phoned 911 after a stabbing. Officers said they found Nizamuddin holding a knife and, fearing another attack, fired four shots. Two knives were seized at the scene.
4. Official Justification
Santa Clara police chief Cory Morgan claimed the firing prevented further harm, possibly saving the injured roommate’s life.
5. Family’s Allegations
Relatives insist the shooting happened too quickly and without adequate inquiry. They also say they learned about the incident only on September 18, two weeks later.
6. Appeal To Authorities
Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammad Hasanuddin, and community leaders have urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Telangana officials to help repatriate the body.
7. Consular Support
The Indian consulate in San Francisco expressed condolences and assured full consular assistance to the bereaved family.
8. Body Awaits Repatriation
His remains are in a California hospital pending paperwork for transport to India so last rites can be held in Mahabubnagar.
9. Community Shock
Friends in Karnataka and Telangana described Nizamuddin as hardworking and mild-mannered, questioning how a domestic scuffle ended fatally.
10. Call For Fair Probe
Kin and rights activists want an independent review of the shooting, citing a need for clarity on police protocols in domestic disputes involving immigrants.
