A tragic incident in Sacramento has left the community reeling following the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Shalini Thakur, who was reportedly stalked and harassed by a man for over a year. The attack took place on September 8, 2025, outside a shopping centre on Howe Avenue, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Shalini-Thakur-091426-7e263dd6b8494d6c9c99f04f1fcff3f6.jpg)
Witnesses describe the scene as horrifying. Shalini Thakur, a worker at a local IHOP, was approached by 22-year-old Rohit Rohit while she was leaving the vicinity. It was not the first time Thakur had encountered Rohit; she had been aware of him previously due to his role as a DoorDash driver delivering food to her workplace. Their interactions transitioned into a nightmare as Rohit began stalking her, making his intentions increasingly clear.
On that fateful day, Rohit waited in the parking lot for Thakur, moments before she arrived at her vehicle. Footage shared by authorities reveals Thakur attempting to flee as Rohit pursued her. In a harrowing episode, he drew a firearm and shot her multiple times, including a fatal shot to her head as she lay incapacitated on the ground. Rohit then fled the scene but not before his violent act shocked onlookers and left the community in disbelief.
Authorities later reported that Rohit’s actions were part of a prolonged history of harassment. This began at least as far back as January when Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden under the hood of her car. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a restraining order filed by Thakur had been in effect, stemming from Rohit’s persistent and alarming behaviour, described in documentation obtained by KCRA 3.
Initial incidents included Rohit deflating the tyres of Thakur’s car and then trailing her to her workplace, ostensibly to offer help. Reports state that he even gained access to her home, entering while she slept and claiming to be concerned for her wellbeing. Thakur’s efforts to distance herself from Rohit included an initial reluctance to seek legal protection, although she eventually filed a restraining order in May 2025 after being encouraged by law enforcement.
Despite this order, Rohit continued to violate its terms, including a disturbing incident on July 29 when he left groceries at her doorstep. His behaviour escalated to the point where Thakur felt her life was genuinely at risk, prompting her to take action against him.
The situation further complicates Rohit’s background. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he had entered the United States illegally through Arizona in August 2023. After being apprehended by Customs and Border Protection, he was released into the country, which raises significant questions regarding how he was able to continue stalking Thakur despite his immigration status.
In the wake of this tragic event, community members have rallied to support Thakur’s family. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with her funeral expenses. The campaign’s organiser reflected on Thakur’s character, describing her as “a caring, loving, selfless, and generous young woman” whose kindness had a profound impact on those around her. The loss is felt deeply within the community, as tributes pour in for a woman who was known for supporting others.
Authorities continue to investigate the case with a plea for anyone who might have further information to come forward. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to contact their non-emergency number at 916-874-5115. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how such a preventable tragedy could occur and whether more could have been done to protect Shalini Thakur.
The ongoing case raises critical discussions around stalking and domestic violence, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness, legal reform, and protective measures for victims who find themselves in similar perilous situations.