HYDERABAD: A 32-year-old student from Telangana, Mohammed Nizamuddin, was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, after he allegedly attacked his roommate with a knife.The incident occurred on Sept 3, but his family learnt of his death only two weeks later.Nizamuddin’s father, Husnuddin, a retired teacher, told TOI that the news reached him on Sept 18 through his son’s friend from Raichur, Karnataka, who is also based in Santa Clara.“I tried calling my son several times, but his phone was switched off. Only later did we learn he had been killed,” Husnuddin said, deeply shaken.Reports indicate four bullets were fired at Nizamuddin. His identity was not immediately confirmed, and his body is said to be in a local hospital awaiting formalities.Nizamuddin had moved to the US in 2016 to pursue higher studies in Florida and later shifted to Santa Clara, where he was sharing accommodation with a few others. Social worker and Majlis Bachao Tehreek head Amjed Ullah Khan has written to external affairs minister S Jaishankar seeking assistance to bring his body back to India. “From what we know, Nizamuddin got into a fight with another person, and the police were called to intervene. In the process the police opened fire and he was killed,” Khan said.Police version of eventsAccording to a statement issued by Santa Clara police department (SCPD) on its website, officers responded to a 911 call around 6.08 am local time on Sept 3, reporting a stabbing inside a residence.“The caller stated the suspect had stabbed one victim in the residence. SCPD officers arrived, encountered the suspect, and were involved in an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for injuries. The officer was not injured,” the statement said.Police chief Cory Morgan explained that the altercation between two roommates escalated into violence, with one stabbing the other before officers arrived. When police forced entry into the house, Nizamuddin was allegedly holding a knife and threatening to attack again. “Based on our preliminary investigation, we believe the officer’s actions prevented further harm and clearly saved at least one life,” Morgan said. Two knives were recovered from the scene.Family in shockThe family in Mahbubnagar is struggling to come to terms with the incident and the delay in receiving official information. “We just want to bring him home and give him a proper burial,” his father said.The MEA is expected to take up the matter with US authorities following requests from community leaders and local representatives.