Telangana Engineer Mohammad Nizamuddin Shot Dead in US After Dispute With Roommate

A tragic incident in California has claimed the life of 30-year-old Mohammad Nizamuddin, an Indian engineer from Telangana. He was fatally shot by police in Santa Clara on September 3, following a heated altercation with his roommate.

Nizamuddin, who had been working in Santa Clara, reportedly got into a dispute with his roommate over the use of the air conditioner. What started as a minor disagreement escalated into a stabbing incident, eventually leading to police intervention.

Family Seeks Government Help

Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammad Hasnuddin, said he learned about his son’s death only on Thursday. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, he appealed for assistance in bringing his son’s body back to their hometown in Mahbubnagar. "I don’t know why the police shot him," he wrote, requesting support from the Indian Embassy.

What Friends and Relatives Say

According to Nizamuddin’s friends, when police entered the residence, both men were ordered to show their hands. One complied, while the other allegedly did not. Police then fired four rounds, hitting Nizamuddin. Family members expressed deep regret, questioning why officers opened fire instead of investigating further.

Police Version of Events

The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), however, released a different account. Officers said Nizamuddin was found inside the home holding a knife and his injured roommate. Police claimed they engaged in a shootout with Nizamuddin, during which he was struck by gunfire. Both men were rushed to the hospital, where Nizamuddin was pronounced dead. His roommate is currently under treatment.