NEW DELHI– The Indian government on Friday pledged full assistance to the family of Mohammed Nizamuddin, a 30-year-old software professional from Telangana who was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, earlier this month.
“There has been an incident in California. We are in touch with the family. We understand that an investigation is underway by local authorities. You would have also seen that the local police department has put out a video and a statement detailing the circumstances. We are in touch with the family and will provide all possible assistance in this matter,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a weekly briefing.
Nizamuddin, who hailed from Mahabubnagar, was fatally shot on September 3 following a violent altercation with his roommate. According to Santa Clara police, the dispute escalated into a stabbing, after which officers responded to a 911 call and opened fire. Nizamuddin later died in a hospital. His roommate, who sustained injuries, was also hospitalized. The family, however, disputes the official version, claiming that it was Nizamuddin who called the police for help before being shot.
A postgraduate in computer science from the Florida Institute of Technology, Nizamuddin was employed at a tech firm in Santa Clara. His relatives describe him as a quiet, religious man who had faced repeated racial harassment and wage issues at work.
Just two weeks before the fatal incident, he posted on LinkedIn that he had been subjected to “racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage fraud, wrongful termination and obstruction of justice.” The family also alleged that his roommate — with whom he often quarreled — was a private detective hired to monitor him after his dismissal.
The family has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death, alleging racial bias and misconduct. They are also appealing for the repatriation of his remains to India.
The MEA’s assurance comes amid mounting pressure from political and community leaders in Hyderabad, who have urged the government to intervene at the diplomatic level and ensure justice for the slain techie. (Source: IANS)
