Indian student killed in California police shooting after knife report
- September 19, 2025
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A tragic incident in Santa Clara, California, has drawn attention after a 32-year-old Indian student from Telangana was fatally shot by local police. The confrontation occurred following a reported stabbing involving his roommate, and the family of the deceased learned of the event only two weeks later.
Authorities were dispatched to a residence in Santa Clara on September 3rd after receiving a 911 call reporting that an individual had been stabbed. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Mohammed Nizamuddin, the student identified in the case. According to official accounts, he was allegedly armed with a knife at the time of their arrival.
Law enforcement officers stated that Nizamuddin posed an immediate threat while holding the weapon. In response to what they described as a dangerous situation, police discharged their firearms, resulting in his death at the scene. The decision to use lethal force has since become central to discussions surrounding the incident and how it unfolded.
The initial emergency call was made after Nizamuddin’s roommate was reportedly stabbed. While details regarding the condition of the roommate have not been widely disclosed, this allegation formed the basis for police intervention and shaped their approach upon arrival at the residence. The presence of a knife during their encounter with Nizamuddin escalated tensions rapidly and left little time for negotiation or de-escalation efforts.
One of the most distressing aspects for relatives has been the delay in communication about his death. Reports indicate that Nizamuddin’s family in Telangana was not informed until two weeks after the shooting took place. This gap has raised questions about procedures followed when notifying next of kin in international cases and has added to the grief experienced by those mourning his loss.
The death of an international student under such circumstances has resonated within both local communities and among those connected to him abroad. Incidents involving police use of force often spark debate over training, crisis management, and how officers handle encounters with individuals armed with weapons but potentially experiencing distress or other challenges. For families overseas, such tragedies also highlight vulnerabilities faced by students living far from home.
The fatal shooting of Mohammed Nizamuddin underscores both personal tragedy and broader issues surrounding law enforcement responses in high-stakes situations. While investigations may continue into specific details, what remains clear is that a young life was cut short under violent circumstances, leaving behind unanswered questions for his family and community alike.