Indian-Origin Woman Shalini Thakur Killed By Alleged Stalker In California

A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, Shalini Thakur, was shot dead outside a restaurant in Sacramento, California, on September 8 by 22-year-old Indian national Rohit Rohit, who had allegedly stalked and harassed her for months despite a restraining order. Rohit later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff.

Thakur was reportedly dropped off near the Panera Bread restaurant at the Arden Arcade shopping centre shortly before 3 pm. Authorities said Rohit approached her, chased her when she tried to flee and shot her multiple times before escaping in his vehicle.

The investigation has uncovered a disturbing pattern of stalking and harassment. Thakur had reported Rohit’s behaviour to authorities in March. She later obtained a restraining order in May after deputies urged her to seek legal protection. The order was due to remain in effect until May 2027.

Court records reportedly show that Thakur had warned about Rohit’s increasingly frightening behaviour and expressed concern that the situation could turn violent. She had also described how Rohit would park outside her home for hours and repeatedly approach her.

Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag under her car’s hood and alleged that Rohit had deflated her tyre and followed her to work before offering help. Authorities also said he obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her home while she slept.

The restraining order did not end the alleged harassment. In July, Thakur reported that Rohit had left groceries outside her home, prompting detectives to investigate a possible violation.

After the September 8 shooting, witnesses gave investigators information about Rohit’s vehicle. A Flock licence plate reader helped deputies locate it on eastbound Highway 50 near Watt Avenue. Rohit stopped on the freeway, triggering a standoff that halted traffic for hours. He was later found dead inside the vehicle.

US authorities said Rohit entered the country through Arizona in 2023 and had previously been arrested by Border Patrol before being released. His exact immigration status remains under investigation.

Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, said her daughter called her around 2 pm on the day of the shooting and promised to call back 15 minutes later. She never did.

DoorDash, which Rohit was reportedly associated with as a delivery driver, said it was cooperating with the investigation and expressed condolences to Thakur’s family.