Sacramento, CA: A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman who had spent months seeking protection from an alleged stalker was fatally shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant in Sacramento on September 8, despite having obtained a restraining order against him.
Shalini Thakur was confronted outside the restaurant near Howe and Northrop avenues by 22-year-old Rohit Rohit, who investigators said had stalked and harassed her for months. Authorities said Thakur attempted to flee after the confrontation, but Rohit allegedly chased her and shot her multiple times before fleeing the scene. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a standoff with police on Highway 50.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on September 11, said that Rohit was an Indian national who entered the United States illegally through Arizona in 2023. DHS said he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and subsequently released by the Biden administration. His precise immigration status at the time of the shooting was not immediately clear.
The case has drawn renewed attention to both stalking protections and immigration policy. DHS said the killing could have been prevented had Rohit not been released into the country, while California's sanctuary-state law, SB 54, limits the ability of local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in certain circumstances.
According to investigators, the alleged stalking began months before the shooting. Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag under her vehicle and reported other disturbing incidents, including tire tampering and Rohit's repeated presence around her workplace. Authorities also said he obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her home while she was sleeping, later claiming he was concerned about her welfare.
Thakur initially declined to pursue criminal charges or seek a restraining order, but deputies remained in contact with her and urged her to obtain court protection. She eventually secured a restraining order. On July 29, authorities received a report that Rohit had left unsolicited groceries at her door, allegedly violating the order.
Investigators said Rohit had no known local criminal history. The two reportedly knew each other through DoorDash pickups at Thakur's workplace.
Thakur's mother, Sudesh Kumari, said the family believes her daughter repeatedly warned authorities about the danger but was not adequately protected. Relatives have described Thakur as caring, generous and selfless. She is survived by family members and two dogs whose future care is now being arranged.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support Thakur’s family. The fundraiser describes her as caring, loving, selfless and generous, saying she regularly supported people in need and left a lasting impact on those around her.
Thakur's mother said the system failed to protect her daughter.
