Local law enforcement officials have acknowledged their inability to apprehend a man for months, despite having a warrant for his arrest, prior to him allegedly fatally shooting a 38-year-old woman in California. Shalini Thakur was killed on September 8 by Rohit Rohit, 22, who had been stalking her and had previously violated a restraining order she had secured against him, according to authorities.
Surveillance footage captured Rohit, identified as a DoorDash delivery driver from India who reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in August 2023, pursuing Thakur before shooting her outside a Panera Bread restaurant in Sacramento. After fleeing the scene, Rohit died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after police initiated a traffic stop.
Thakur's mother, Sudesh Kumari, is grieving the loss of her only child. Community representatives noted Kumari's profound sorrow, stating she expressed a desire to join her daughter. Thakur, a waitress at an IHOP, was remembered by friends and customers for her vibrant personality and kindness. Many mourners also voiced criticism towards the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office for the perceived failure to protect Thakur.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Amar Gandhi detailed that Rohit approached Thakur at her workplace, chased her as she attempted to flee, and shot her multiple times. Gandhi stated Rohit then approached Thakur again as she lay on the ground and shot her at close range.
Homicide detectives were aware of Rohit's harassment and stalking of Thakur, which began after they met through his delivery work at her restaurant. The pattern of troubling behavior included Thakur discovering an Apple AirTag placed on her car, Rohit deflating her tires and following her to work, and entering her apartment with a key he had obtained. These incidents led Thakur to obtain a restraining order against him, which he violated in July by leaving groceries at her residence.
According to Homeland Security, Rohit had illegally entered the U.S. via Arizona in 2023 and was released into the country by the Biden administration after being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Sources indicated that Rohit had passed background checks through Checkr to work for DoorDash using a Social Security number. A DoorDash spokesperson expressed condolences to Thakur's family and stated the company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.