Desi Woman Stalked, Shot Dead in California

Shalini Thakur case sparks questions

Shalini Thakur, a resident of Sacramento, California, was shot dead on September 8th. The 38-year-old was chased by the 22-year-old suspect Rohit Rohit near her workplace in Howe Avenue.

Rohit Rohit was an immigrant who entered the country illegally in August 2023. He was arrested by US Border Patrol, but later released into the country.

Rohit had known Thakur for about two years, and began stalking her in September 2025. The stalking escalated in frequency, with him entering her home while she slept, threatening to kill her, and trying to force her to marry him.

Thakur filed for a restraining order against him. However, Rohit kept violating the order, but was never arrested.

Rohit shot Thakur dead in a Panera-area shopping center. After a brief standoff with the police, he was found dead in his car from a self-inflicted gunshot.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) blamed the Biden administration for releasing Rohit in 2023. They also took the opportunity to further condemn Indian immigrants.

The DHS referred to Rohit as “this illegal alien from India,” and called for stricter immigration policies. Thakur’s mother Sudesh Kumari has called out the police for their inaction after Rohit violated the restraining order.

Amidst everything, the perception of Indians in the US is struck down another notch. Calls for the deportation of every Indian in the US continue to grow stronger.