US,,Sep.19.2025:On September 3, 2025, Santa Clara Police responded to an emergency call about a knife attack at a residential home. According to officials, Nizamuddin allegedly attacked his roommate with a knife, prompting officers to intervene. The situation escalated, and police claim they were forced to open fire-
Nizamuddin was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His roommate is currently under treatment. However, the family contests this version, demanding a transparent probe into what they call a “hasty police shooting.”
Family’s Anguish and Appeal to S. Jaishankar
Back in Mahbubnagar, Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammad Husnuddeen, expressed shock after learning of his son’s death two weeks after the incident. He appealed to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to expedite the repatriation of his son’s body.
In a letter to the minister, he wrote-
“I do not know why police shot my son. His mortal remains are in Santa Clara. I request the government to direct the Indian embassy and consulate to help us bring him back.”
For the grieving family, Nizamuddin’s death is not just a personal tragedy but a painful reminder of the risks faced by Indian students abroad.
Santa Clara Police Department’s Statement
The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) issued a press release stating:
- They received a call at 6:08 a.m. about a stabbing incident.
- Officers confronted the suspect (Nizamuddin) inside the residence.
- The suspect threatened further attack, leading to officer-involved shooting.
- No police officers were injured during the encounter.
However, SCPD has not explicitly confirmed whether Nizamuddin died from police bullets. This ambiguity has fueled further doubts among his family and the Indian diaspora.
(Reference: Santa Clara Police official statement)
Eyewitness and Relatives’ Version
According to a relative who spoke to ANI, the altercation began over an air conditioner dispute between Nizamuddin and his roommate. When police arrived, they instructed both men to raise their hands.
- “One followed instructions, the other did not,” the relative said.
- “Police fired four rounds. It was shocking and unnecessary.”
This version contradicts the police narrative, suggesting excessive force may have been used.
Diplomatic and Political Reactions
Indian authorities have initiated contact with the Consulate General of India in San Francisco to coordinate repatriation efforts. Meanwhile, Indian politicians and community leaders have demanded accountability.
In the US, the case adds to ongoing debates over police accountability and racial bias. Civil rights groups argue that people of color, including international students, are disproportionately affected by police shootings.
Rising Pattern of Indian Student Deaths in the US
The Indian student death in US police shooting is not an isolated incident. Over the last few years, multiple tragic cases have highlighted the vulnerability of young Indians pursuing education abroad.
- 2024 – Gampa Praveen Kumar, a 27-year-old Hyderabad student, was shot dead in Milwaukee during a suspected robbery.
- 2023 – Jahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, died after being hit by a speeding police vehicle in Seattle. The incident sparked global outrage when bodycam footage showed officers joking about her death.
- 2025 – Just days before Nizamuddin’s death, 50-year-old Chandramouli Nagamallaiah was murdered in Texas by a co-worker in a brutal knife attack.
Recent Similar Cases of Violence
Nizamuddin’s death comes amid heightened concerns over safety:
- In Dallas, Texas, Nagamallaiah’s murder was condemned by Indian diaspora groups as another example of unchecked violence.
- In Seattle, the lack of accountability in Kandula’s case has left many questioning US policing standards.
- Even US President Donald Trump, reacting to Nagamallaiah’s killing, blamed immigration policies, calling it a failure of law enforcement.
Impact on Indian Student Community in the US
With over 250,000 Indian students currently studying in the US (per Open Doors Report), such incidents trigger widespread anxiety among families and students alike.
Community organizations have urged universities to provide:
- Stronger safety guidelines,
- Emergency helplines, and
- Cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement.
What Experts Say About Police Shootings
According to Statista, over 1,100 people die in US police shootings annually. Experts argue that split-second decisions often lead to avoidable fatalities, especially in cases involving minorities or immigrants.
Civil rights activists stress the need for:
- De-escalation training for officers,
- Bodycam transparency, and
- Independent oversight boards to investigate officer-involved shootings.
Government’s Next Steps
The Indian government has assured that it is closely monitoring the case. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs are in touch with Nizamuddin’s family, and arrangements for repatriation are being expedited.
Meanwhile, diaspora organizations in California are planning vigils to demand justice and highlight the broader issue of student safety abroad.
aThe Indian student death in US police shooting is more than just a tragic headline. It underscores the fragile safety net for thousands of Indian students chasing their American dream. As investigations continue, the demand for accountability, transparency, and justice grows louder—not only from grieving families but also from an anxious global community.
For now, Nizamuddin’s family waits in anguish, hoping their son’s body returns home, even as questions about his untimely death remain unanswered.
