Indian-origin woman shot dead by stalker in California
What's the story
A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, Shalini Thakur, was shot dead in broad daylight outside a Panera Bread restaurant in Sacramento, California. The accused, identified as 22-year-old Rohit, had been stalking Thakur for nearly a year despite having a restraining order against him. The incident occurred around 3:00pm on Tuesday, and witnesses reported seeing Rohit chase Thakur before shooting her multiple times.
Standoff outcome
Shooter dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound
After the shooting, Rohit fled the scene but was later found on Highway 50. During a standoff with deputies, he shot himself and died from his injuries.
The incident forced the California Highway Patrol to close all eastbound lanes on the highway due to police activity.
KCRA Channel 3 footage showed officers surrounding Rohit's vehicle with weapons drawn before approaching it cautiously.
Family's anguish
Thakur's mother speaks on the incident
Sudesh Kumari, Thakur's mother, revealed that her daughter was scared of Rohit, who had been stalking her for months.
She said Rohit wanted to marry Thakur but was rejected due to their age difference.
Kumari recalled their last conversation before the tragic incident and expressed devastation over her daughter's death.
"She was so scared of him," a distraught Sudesh told KCRA 3.
Escalating harassment
Stalking behavior started in September 2025
Court documents revealed that Rohit's stalking behavior started around September 2025 and became increasingly aggressive.
He waited outside Thakur's home, deflated her car tires, and placed an Apple AirTag under her vehicle to track her movements.
Despite a restraining order served on May 19, Rohit violated it by leaving groceries outside Thakur's home in late July.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities investigating circumstances of shooting and suspect's death
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of Thakur's shooting and Rohit's death on Highway 50.
The case has raised concerns over the effectiveness of restraining orders in preventing such violent incidents.
Sudesh Kumari continues to mourn her daughter's untimely demise while questioning what more could have been done to protect her daughter from Rohit's harassment.