A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman was chased and shot dead outside a Sacramento restaurant after months of alleged stalking that included an AirTag hidden under her car, a copied house key and repeated restraining-order violations. Police said Shalini Thakur tried to flee before 22-year-old Rohit opened fire in public, then later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a highway standoff.
The Incident: Shalini Thakur chased and shot outside Sacramento restaurant
Her death came after months of complaints about alleged stalking and harassment, according to court documents and accounts provided by police to local broadcaster KCRA 3. Court records showed Rohit was personally served with temporary restraining-order papers on May 19 and was told to stay away from Thakur, her home and her workplace.
Authorities said Thakur tried to run away, but Rohit chased her and fired several shots in front of witnesses. Police said another shot was fired at close range after she fell. Court records described a series of incidents that Thakur said left her frightened. Lt Amar Gandhi said deputies took a report and detectives later concluded they had probable cause to arrest Rohit for violating the order. Gandhi said Rohit would have been arrested if officers had found him. He also said an arrest would not necessarily have meant Rohit remained in custody or guaranteed that the later shooting could have been prevented. Behind the police records and court filings is a mother who said she had spent months worrying about her daughter’s safety.
They included: Thakur eventually obtained a civil harassment restraining order. Officers tried at least twice to find him at his home and other locations he was known to visit but were unable to locate him.
