DHS: California Woman Fatally Shot by DoorDash Driver Who Stalked Her for Months
Shalini Thakur, 38, was killed outside a Sacramento County Panera Bread by Rohit Rohit, an illegal immigrant from India who had stalked her since January, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Rohit, who entered the U.S. in August 2023 and was released pending a court date, took his own life after the shooting.
A California woman was fatally shot outside a Panera Bread in Sacramento County by a DoorDash delivery driver who had stalked her for months and was the subject of a restraining order, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Shalini Thakur, 38, was standing near her car when Rohit Rohit, an illegal immigrant from India, approached her, chased her when she tried to flee, and shot her in the head before getting into a car and driving away, DHS said. Responding police officers caught up to him, but Rohit took his own life with a firearm, authorities said.
DHS said Rohit entered the United States illegally 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 country after they were given a court date to appear before a judge.
«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.»
Thakur had known Rohit as a DoorDash delivery driver who would park outside her home for hours and talk to her daily, according to ABC 10. Rohit had stalked her since at least January, when she found an Apple AirTag under the hood of her car.
At one point, Rohit tried to coerce Thakur into marriage and prevented her from socializing with others, the news report said. He also allegedly threatened to shoot himself or anyone she met. Rohit later deflated her car tires and followed her to work so he could pretend to offer her help, authorities said.
Rohit allegedly obtained a copy of Thakur's apartment key so he could enter her home while she slept. Even after she got a restraining order against him 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.»
DoorDash did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case has drawn attention to the intersection of immigration enforcement and public safety, with DHS pointing to the administration's release of Rohit as a preventable failure. The department's statement reflects ongoing criticism of sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Thakur's death has left her family and community searching for answers, with her mother expressing frustration that repeated calls to police did not prevent the tragedy. The restraining order, while a legal tool intended to protect victims, did not stop Rohit from continuing his campaign of harassment and violence.
Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation or whether any prior police reports were filed. The shooting remains under review, and DHS has used the case to renew its call for stricter immigration enforcement and an end to policies that it says allow dangerous individuals to remain in the country.
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).
