Sacramento (Rajeev Sharma): A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman was shot dead at a shopping centre in California after allegedly being stalked for several months, with the suspected attacker later dying from what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff.
The incident took place on September 8 at the Arden Arcade shopping centre in Sacramento. The victim, identified as Shalini Thakur, was allegedly targeted by a 22-year-old Indian national identified as Rohit.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Rohit approached Thakur at the shopping centre and shot her following a chase before fleeing the area.
Suspect Tracked to Highway
Investigators were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle based on information provided by witnesses. Authorities later located it on eastbound Highway 50 near Watt Avenue.
When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, Rohit brought it to a halt on the freeway, triggering a prolonged standoff that disrupted traffic for several hours.
Authorities eventually found him unresponsive in the driver’s seat with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain part of the investigation.
Alleged Harassment Began Months Earlier
Investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that the confrontation was preceded by months of alleged stalking and harassment.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden under the hood of her vehicle in January. Authorities also said Rohit had allegedly deflated the tyres of her car and followed her to work, where he would offer assistance.
In another disturbing development, investigators said Rohit had obtained a key to Thakur’s apartment and entered her home while she was sleeping.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Sergeant Amar Gandhi said Rohit appeared to have developed what he described as a “real fixation” on Thakur.
The two reportedly knew each other through their work and had been friends for several years, although they were employed by different companies.
Restraining Order Was Obtained
Thakur had previously brought the alleged stalking behaviour to the attention of authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office said she first reported the incidents in March but initially chose not to pursue criminal charges or request a restraining order.
Deputies again encouraged her to seek legal protection in May, after which she obtained a restraining order.
In her court petition, Thakur reportedly said she knew Rohit as a DoorDash delivery driver. She alleged that he would remain parked outside her residence for extended periods and speak to her regularly.
Despite the legal protection, the alleged harassment eventually culminated in the fatal shooting.
Mother Last Spoke to Her Hours Before Shooting
Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, told KCRA 3 that she had spoken to her daughter by phone at around 2pm on September 8.
Thakur reportedly told her mother that she would call again within 15 minutes. That call never came.
She was killed roughly an hour later, according to the account provided by her family.
The killing has since raised renewed concerns about the challenges victims can face when dealing with persistent stalking and escalating threats.
Immigration Status Under Scrutiny
The Department of Homeland Security said Rohit was an undocumented immigrant from India who entered the United States through Arizona in 2023.
The agency’s spokesperson said he was apprehended by US Border Patrol after entering the country and was later released by the Biden administration. Details concerning his immigration case were not immediately clear.
The immigration claims are separate from the ongoing criminal investigation into the shooting and alleged stalking.
DoorDash has also confirmed that it is cooperating with investigators. In a statement reported by the Sacramento Bee, the company described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and expressed sympathy for Thakur’s family and loved ones.
The investigation into the shooting, the alleged stalking and the events leading up to Thakur’s death remains ongoing.
Indian-Origin Woman Shot Dead in California; Suspected Stalker Dies After Police Standoff
Sacramento: A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman was shot dead at a shopping centre in California after allegedly being stalked for several months, with the suspected attacker later dying from what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff.
The incident took place on September 8 at the Arden Arcade shopping centre in Sacramento. The victim, identified as Shalini Thakur, was allegedly targeted by a 22-year-old Indian national identified as Rohit.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Rohit approached Thakur at the shopping centre and shot her following a chase before fleeing the area.
Suspect Tracked to Highway
Investigators were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle based on information provided by witnesses. Authorities later located it on eastbound Highway 50 near Watt Avenue.
When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, Rohit brought it to a halt on the freeway, triggering a prolonged standoff that disrupted traffic for several hours.
Authorities eventually found him unresponsive in the driver’s seat with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain part of the investigation.
Alleged Harassment Began Months Earlier
Investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that the confrontation was preceded by months of alleged stalking and harassment.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden under the hood of her vehicle in January. Authorities also said Rohit had allegedly deflated the tyres of her car and followed her to work, where he would offer assistance.
In another disturbing development, investigators said Rohit had obtained a key to Thakur’s apartment and entered her home while she was sleeping.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Sergeant Amar Gandhi said Rohit appeared to have developed what he described as a “real fixation” on Thakur.
The two reportedly knew each other through their work and had been friends for several years, although they were employed by different companies.
Restraining Order Was Obtained
Thakur had previously brought the alleged stalking behaviour to the attention of authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office said she first reported the incidents in March but initially chose not to pursue criminal charges or request a restraining order.
Deputies again encouraged her to seek legal protection in May, after which she obtained a restraining order.
In her court petition, Thakur reportedly said she knew Rohit as a DoorDash delivery driver. She alleged that he would remain parked outside her residence for extended periods and speak to her regularly.
Despite the legal protection, the alleged harassment eventually culminated in the fatal shooting.
Mother Last Spoke to Her Hours Before Shooting
Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, told KCRA 3 that she had spoken to her daughter by phone at around 2pm on September 8.
Thakur reportedly told her mother that she would call again within 15 minutes. That call never came.
She was killed roughly an hour later, according to the account provided by her family.
The killing has since raised renewed concerns about the challenges victims can face when dealing with persistent stalking and escalating threats.
Immigration Status Under Scrutiny
The Department of Homeland Security said Rohit was an undocumented immigrant from India who entered the United States through Arizona in 2023.
The agency’s spokesperson said he was apprehended by US Border Patrol after entering the country and was later released by the Biden administration. Details concerning his immigration case were not immediately clear.
The immigration claims are separate from the ongoing criminal investigation into the shooting and alleged stalking.
DoorDash has also confirmed that it is cooperating with investigators. In a statement reported by the Sacramento Bee, the company described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and expressed sympathy for Thakur’s family and loved ones.
The investigation into the shooting, the alleged stalking and the events leading up to Thakur’s death remains ongoing.
