Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California
A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, identified as Shalini Thakur, was shot dead outside her workplace in Sacramento, California, after months of alleged stalking and harassment. Authorities said the shooting took place near a Panera Bread restaurant in the Arden Arcade area as Thakur was arriving for work.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as Rohit, approached Thakur and confronted her. She reportedly tried to escape, but he chased her and opened fire in front of witnesses. Deputies responding to the scene found Thakur unresponsive, and emergency personnel pronounced her dead.
Witnesses helped investigators identify the suspect’s vehicle, which was then tracked through an automated licence plate reader system. Officers located the car on eastbound Highway 50 within a short period.
When law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect brought it to a halt on the highway. Authorities closed eastbound lanes as deputies surrounded the vehicle. Police later broke the driver-side window and used a drone before approaching the car.
The suspect was found inside with what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials later confirmed his death and said there was no indication that deputies had fired their weapons during the operation.
California stalking case involved restraining order violation
The case has drawn attention because of the history of alleged stalking that preceded the killing. Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, said her daughter had been dealing with harassment for nearly a year and had become increasingly fearful of the suspect.
Court records cited in the report indicate that the alleged stalking began around September 2025 and became more serious over time. Thakur reportedly knew the suspect through DoorDash pickups connected to her workplace.
As the behaviour escalated, she obtained a restraining order. According to the documents, the suspect allegedly waited outside her home for extended periods, deflated her vehicle’s tyres and placed an Apple AirTag under her car to track her movements.
The records also alleged that he pressured Thakur to marry him and attempted to control whom she could meet. In one reported incident, he allegedly copied a key to her apartment and entered while she was sleeping.
Sheriff’s officials had encouraged Thakur to seek legal protection, and the restraining order was served on May 19. Investigators said the order was later violated. In late July, the suspect reportedly left grocery items outside her home despite the restrictions.
Thakur’s mother said she spoke to her daughter less than an hour before the shooting. Thakur told her she would call back shortly, but the call never came. Her mother later tried repeatedly to reach her and sent messages expressing concern.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, the history of alleged stalking and harassment, and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death on Highway 50.
