Mohammed Nizamuddin was a software engineer from Telangana, India, who moved to the United States in 2016 to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science. After completing his studies, he began working in the tech industry, including a stint with EPAM Systems where he worked on projects for Google. His career, however, took a difficult turn earlier in 2025 when he lost his job. In the months leading up to his death, Nizamuddin had been outspoken about his experiences with workplace harassment, racial discrimination, wage fraud, and wrongful termination. In a series of LinkedIn posts, he alleged that he faced intimidation, threats, and even attempts to poison his food, painting a picture of deep distress and isolation.
The tragic incident occurred on September 3, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. Police received a 911 call about a stabbing at Nizamuddin’s residence. According to the official version, one of his roommates was injured and had pinned him down when officers arrived. Police claim that Nizamuddin was holding a knife and continued to pose a threat. They say they were forced to shoot after he ignored commands to drop the weapon. Reports indicate that four rounds were fired, and he later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Two knives were recovered from the scene, according to the authorities.
Nizamuddin’s family, however, strongly disputes this account. They describe him as a quiet, devout person who would not have acted in such a violent manner. His relatives in Telangana have called for a transparent investigation into the shooting, expressing shock at both the police response and the narrative being presented. For them, the fact that he had been raising concerns about racial hatred, mistreatment, and harassment in recent months is a crucial context that cannot be overlooked.
The case has raised troubling questions about workplace discrimination, mental health pressures on immigrants, and the use of force by U.S. police. Supporters argue that Nizamuddin’s final posts reflect the psychological toll of the challenges he faced, while critics of the police response say that deadly force should have been a last resort, especially in a confined domestic situation. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has expressed sorrow over the incident and confirmed that it is engaging with U.S. authorities while assisting the family with repatriation and consular support.
As investigations continue, Mohammed Nizamuddin’s death has left many unsettled. For his family and friends, it is not just a story of a life cut short but also a call for accountability and transparency in how cases involving immigrants and racial minorities are handled in the United States. His story underscores the complex challenges faced by many international workers, torn between career aspirations abroad and the realities of systemic discrimination and social alienation.