NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Friday said it is in touch with authorities in the United States and with the family of a man from Telangana who was allegedly shot dead in California. “There has been an incident in California. We are in touch with the family, we also understand that investigation is underway by local authorities. You would have also seen that the local police department have put out a video statement, giving details of the circumstances. We are also in touch with the family and will render all possible assistance in this matter,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The victim was identified as Mohammad Nizamuddin, a resident of Mahabubnagar district. His family has appealed to both the Centre and the Telangana government to help bring his body back to India. Nizamuddin’s father, Mohammad Hasanuddin, told ANI, “My son went to study in America in 2016 at Florida College. After completing his two-year studies, he worked for a company there. Later, he moved to California on a promotion, where he was shot dead. I appeal to the External Affairs Minister to bring my son’s body back to India as soon as possible.” Another relative said the family had not heard from him for 10–15 days before receiving the tragic news. Citing information circulating online, the relative said a quarrel among roommates — reportedly over an air conditioner — escalated into a knife fight. A neighbour called the police, and when officers entered the home, they ordered the occupants to show their hands. One complied, but another allegedly did not. Police then fired four rounds, fatally hitting Nizamuddin. Calling the incident “extremely regrettable,” the family questioned whether a proper inquiry had taken place. They urged both the central and state governments to expedite repatriation of the body to Mahabubnagar.
