A California woman was shot and killed Tuesday outside a Panera Bread in Sacramento County by a man who had allegedly stalked her for months and was under a restraining order, the Department of Homeland Security said.
Shalini Thakur, 38, was near her vehicle when Rohit Rohit, whom DHS identified as an illegal immigrant from India, approached her. Authorities said he chased Thakur as she tried to get away, then shot her in the head before leaving the scene in a car.
Police officers responding to the shooting later caught up with Rohit, but authorities said he died by suicide with a firearm.
Rohit Rohit, identified by DHS as an illegal immigrant from India, allegedly stalked Shalini Thakur for months before fatally shooting her in a California parking lot and then taking his own life. DHS said Rohit entered the United States illegally through Arizona and was released under the Biden administration. (Department of Homeland Security; Getty Images)
“This tragedy would have been completely avoided if it weren’t for the Biden administration RELEASING this killer into our country,” a DHS spokesperson said.
“Sanctuary politicians must put an end to reckless policies that play Russian roulette with American lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family.”
According to ABC 10, Thakur had obtained a restraining order after months of alleged stalking. She told authorities she knew Rohit as a DoorDash delivery driver who would sit outside her home for hours and speak with her daily.
FILE – Authorities alleged Rohit worked as a DoorDash delivery driver. (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The alleged harassment dated back to at least January, when Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden beneath the hood of her car.
The report said Rohit at one point tried to pressure Thakur into marriage and attempted to stop her from spending time with other people. He also allegedly threatened to shoot himself or anyone she met.
Authorities said Rohit later deflated Thakur’s tires and followed her to work so he could appear to offer assistance. He also allegedly obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her home while she was asleep.
FILE – DHS said Rohit entered the United States illegally through Arizona in August 2023, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and was later released. (Gregory Bull/Associated Press)
Even after she got a restraining order against Rohit in May, he continued to stalk her as recently as July.
“She could have been saved. She told police so many times,” Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, told the news outlet. “She called them, but nobody did anything.”
Rohit illegally entered the United States through Arizona in August 2023 and was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol. He was released as part of the Biden administration’s policy to let migrants into the U.S. after they were given a court date to appear before a judge.
DoorDash did not immediately respond to News Outlet’s request for comment.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
