Indian-Origin Woman Fatally Shot by Stalker in California

An Indian-origin woman was fatally shot by a stalker outside a California restaurant on September 8, after months of harassment that included a hidden tracking device, home break-ins, and a restraining order violation, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Rohit, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant from India, later died by suicide during a standoff with deputies. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said Shalini Thakur, 38, was being dropped off at work at a shopping plaza near Howe Avenue and Northrop Avenue when Rohit approached and confronted her. She attempted to flee, but he chased her, shot her multiple times in front of witnesses, and fired a final shot at her head at close range. Deputies responding around 3 p.m. found Thakur unresponsive outside a Panera Bread restaurant and she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Rohit was an undocumented immigrant from India who entered the United States through Arizona in 2023. A DHS spokesperson stated he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and subsequently released. The exact details of his immigration status were not immediately clear.