The death of 30-year-old Indian tech professional Mohammed Nizamuddin has sparked serious concerns of racial discrimination, workplace harassment, and wrongful termination. In the current times of alleged strained relations between India and the United States, a devastating news piece has sent shockwaves across both the countries, increasing the chances of tampering further.
In the recent years, cases of harassment and violent extremist behaviour against Indian nationals in the United States have fired up, indicating the growing unsafety and volatility of staying in there. Nizamuddin, originally from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, was fatally shot by Santa Clara police following an altercation with his roommate. His family has now demanded a thorough investigation, alleging that he was a victim of racial hatred and systemic injustice in the United States.
Claims of Harassment and Unfair Treatment
Days before his death, Nizamuddin posted a detailed note on LinkedIn, describing himself as a victim of racial hatred and wage fraud. He accused his former employer, colleagues, and even his roommates of racial harassment, wrongful termination, and continuous mistreatment.
He alleged that while working at Google through EPAM Systems, an American IT services provider and Google Cloud partner, he was underpaid in violation of U.S. Department of Labor wage standards. According to him, the company not only committed “salary fraud” but also terminated his employment unjustly.
His LinkedIn post read: “I have been a victim of racial hatred, racial discrimination, racial harassment, torture, wage fraud, wrongful termination, and obstruction of justice. Enough is enough—white supremacy and racist American mentality must end.”
Nizamuddin added that after losing his job, his troubles escalated further, with a racist detective and his team allegedly targeting him. He also claimed his food was poisoned and that he was forced out of his accommodation.
The Fatal Incident in Santa Clara
According to Santa Clara police, the incident occurred on September 3 at his residence, where officers responded to reports of violence. Police stated that Nizamuddin allegedly stabbed his roommate and was found holding him down when authorities arrived. The roommate sustained multiple injuries but survived.
Police opened fire when Nizamuddin reportedly refused to surrender. He was killed on the spot. His family, however, disputes this version of events, insisting that Nizamuddin was driven into a state of distress due to persistent racial discrimination and harassment. They have urged U.S. authorities to carry out a transparent probe into the circumstances of his death.
Allegations of Racial Discrimination
In his online note, Nizamuddin directly named his employer, client, colleagues, and local community members as his main aggressors. He accused them of being the ‘troublemakers and oppressors‘ responsible for his suffering.
He wrote: “They are the aggressors behind the current chaos, not me. It is happening with me today, and it can happen with anyone tomorrow. The world must demand justice.” Despite acknowledging his own flaws— “I totally understand I am no saint”—he argued that those who harassed him acted as though they were above accountability.
Investigation and Family’s Appeal
The Santa Clara Police Department has confirmed that the case remains an active and open investigation. Authorities have not released further details on whether racial bias complaints will be examined as part of the probe.
Nizamuddin’s family described him as a quiet, religious, and hardworking individual who had pursued a master’s degree in computer science in Florida before moving to California for work. They maintain that he raised repeated complaints of workplace discrimination, wage fraud, and harassment but received no justice.
His relatives have appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India for assistance in repatriating his body, which is currently being held at a hospital in Santa Clara for formalities.
A Call for Justice
The tragic death of Mohammed Nizamuddin has once again highlighted the challenges faced by Indian professionals working abroad, especially in the U.S. tech sector. While the official police version points to a violent altercation, his family and last words on LinkedIn paint a deeper picture of discrimination, exploitation, and isolation.
With the case under investigation, both Indian and U.S. authorities are under pressure to ensure that justice is delivered and that the full truth behind Nizamuddin’s final days comes to light.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
