Tragedy in US: Indian engineer shot dead by California police, father seeks MEA’s intervention

Santa Clara / Hyderabad (The Uttam Hindu): Another shocking incident has shaken the Indian community in the US. A 30-year-old Indian engineer, Mohammad Nizamuddin from Mahbubnagar district in Telangana was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, on September 3.

According to police, Nizamuddin allegedly attacked his roommate with a knife at their home on Eisenhower Drive. When officers arrived, they claim he tried to flee while holding the weapon. Police fired shots to stop him leading to serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead. His roommate, who was injured in the incident is undergoing treatment.

Back in India, Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammad Hasnuddin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar demanding justice and the repatriation of his son’s body. He said his son had gone to the US to pursue a Master’s degree but had recently complained of racial discrimination. The family suspects the altercation with the roommate may have been due to this reason.

Hasnuddin rejected the police version saying his son was not capable of attacking anyone. Amjad Ullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), who is assisting the family confirmed discussions with Santa Clara Police who maintain their stand.