8 hrs ago
Indian-Origin California Woman Killed After Alleged Months-Long Stalking
Shalini Thakur was a 38-year-old woman who was killed in California.
Officials say a 22-year-old man named Rohit attacked her outside a restaurant in Sacramento.
They say he had followed and harassed her for months.
Investigators reported that he used a tracking device and had entered her home while she slept.
Thakur had reported his behavior and later obtained a restraining order.
Officials say he chased and shot her after she tried to get away.
Police later found Rohit dead in his vehicle after a standoff on a highway.
Authorities have not clearly explained his exact immigration status.
Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot outside a restaurant at Sacramento’s Arden Arcade shopping centre on September 8.
Authorities identified the alleged attacker as Rohit, 22, who had reportedly stalked and harassed Thakur since at least January.
Investigators said Rohit used an Apple AirTag, deflated her car tires, followed her to work, and obtained a key to her apartment.
Officials said Thakur tried to escape before Rohit shot her multiple times and fled in a vehicle.
Police later found Rohit dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after a Highway 50 standoff; his immigration status remained unclear.
- Who
- Shalini Thakur, 38, was killed; authorities identified the alleged attacker as Rohit, 22.
- What
- Thakur was shot multiple times in an alleged stalking-related attack, and Rohit later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Where
- The attack occurred outside a restaurant at the Arden Arcade shopping centre in Sacramento, California; Rohit was later found on eastbound Highway 50 near Watt Avenue.
- When
- The shooting occurred on September 8; authorities said the alleged harassment began at least in January. One report referred to January 2026, creating a date discrepancy.
- Why
- No confirmed motive was provided; authorities said the attack followed alleged stalking and harassment.
DHS and immigration-policy criticism
Law-enforcement investigation and unresolved details
Responsibility for the tragedy
DHS and immigration-policy criticism
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Rohit’s release after entering the United States could have been avoided and blamed the Biden administration and sanctuary policies.
Law-enforcement investigation and unresolved details
The articles report that Rohit’s exact immigration status and the specific circumstances of his release were not immediately clear; the criticism came from a DHS spokesperson.
Prior warnings and protection
DHS and immigration-policy criticism
DHS and officials emphasized the alleged months-long stalking, including tracking, following, and the eventual shooting.
Law-enforcement investigation and unresolved details
The sheriff’s office said Thakur reported incidents in March, initially declined criminal charges or a restraining order, later obtained one in May, and was allegedly stalked again in July despite it.
Nature of the relationship
DHS and immigration-policy criticism
Authorities described Rohit’s behavior as an escalating fixation and stalking campaign.
Law-enforcement investigation and unresolved details
The sheriff’s office said the two worked for different employers but were friends who had known each other for a couple of years; the articles do not establish a confirmed motive.
Key facts
- Victim
- Shalini Thakur, a 38-year-old Indian-origin woman
- Alleged attacker
- Rohit, a 22-year-old man from India
- Incident date
- September 8
- Reported stalking conduct
- An Apple AirTag, deflated tires, workplace following, and alleged entry into Thakur’s apartment
- Protective order
- Thakur reported incidents in March and obtained a restraining order in May, according to the sheriff’s office
- Police response
- Rohit’s vehicle was located on eastbound Highway 50, where a standoff stopped traffic for hours
- Deaths
- Thakur was fatally shot; Rohit was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound
- Immigration claims
- DHS said Rohit entered through Arizona in 2023, was arrested and released by U.S. Border Patrol, and had unclear immigration status
Quotes
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson
A spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security commenting on the killing and Rohit's death.
“This tragedy would have been completely avoided if it weren’t for the Biden Administration RELEASING this killer into our country. Sanctuary politicians must put an end to reckless policies that play Russian roulette with American lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family,”
livemint.com
“This illegal alien from India harassed, stalked, and then killed a 38-year-old woman in California, and then took his own life when police caught up to him. I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that request.”
livemint.com
Sergeant Amar Gandhi
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson
“He, obviously, developed a real fixation on her.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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