A 30-year-old Indian tech professional, Mohammed Nizamuddin, from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, was shot dead by police officers in Santa Clara, California, earlier this month. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with his family alleging racial discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination as possible factors that led to his tragic end.
According to Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), officers responded to a 911 call on September 3 regarding a stabbing incident at Nizamuddin’s residence. Upon arrival, police reportedly found him holding a knife and pinning down his injured roommate. In a statement, SCPD confirmed that officers were “involved in an Officer Involved Shooting,” after which Nizamuddin was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His roommate is recovering from multiple injuries.
Family’s Allegations of Harassment and Discrimination
Nizamuddin’s family in Telangana has strongly disputed the official version. They claim it was Nizamuddin himself who called the police for help before being shot. They further allege that he had been a victim of continuous racial harassment, wage fraud, and wrongful termination in the US.
His father, Mohammed Hasnuddin, has sought assistance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to transport his son’s mortal remains to Hyderabad. Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek, also met the grieving family and wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging Indian authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and extend support in repatriation.
LinkedIn Posts Reveal Disturbing Allegations
Days before his death, Nizamuddin had posted a detailed note on LinkedIn, claiming he was a victim of racial hatred and harassment in the United States. He accused his former employer, EPAM Systems—an American software engineering services company working with Google Cloud—of salary fraud and wrongful termination.
“In addition to that, the company committed wage fraud. I was not paid fairly, not in accordance with Department of Labor standards. They altogether wrongfully terminated my employment,” his LinkedIn post read.
He further alleged that his food was poisoned, he was forcibly evicted from his accommodation, and he was subjected to surveillance and intimidation. “Enough is enough, white supremacy and racist American mentality must end,” Nizamuddin wrote.
Career and Background
Nizamuddin pursued a Master’s degree in Computer Science at a Florida college before securing employment in Santa Clara. Colleagues and acquaintances described him as a quiet and religious person. Despite his professional achievements, his family claims he had been under immense pressure due to workplace hostility, racial discrimination, and financial struggles.
Ongoing Investigation
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Clara Police Department have launched a joint probe into the shooting. Authorities described it as an “active and open investigation.” However, questions remain about whether the police response was proportionate and whether the underlying issues of racial bias played a role.
Community Reaction
The case has triggered debates within the Indian diaspora in the US, with many community members expressing fear over rising incidents of racial violence, police encounters, and workplace discrimination against foreign workers, particularly those from South Asia. Several Indian community organizations have voiced concerns that incidents like this create an atmosphere of insecurity for thousands of Indian professionals and students pursuing careers in the United States.
Meanwhile, Nizamuddin’s family continues to wait for his body to be brought back to India. They have appealed to both the Indian and US governments not only for assistance in repatriation but also for a fair inquiry that brings out the truth behind his death. For them, justice goes beyond formalities—it is about recognizing the struggles he faced and holding those responsible for his alleged harassment and discrimination accountable.
