Released migrant stalked and killed Sacramento waitress after restraining order
A 22-year-old Indian national who had been released by immigration authorities stalked and shot Shalini Thakur in broad daylight after she obtained a restraining order against him.
Border Patrol detained Indian national Rohit Rohit, 22, during an attempted crossing near Yuma in August 2023 and held him at ICE facilities in Arizona and Georgia before releasing him in September 2023 under a “catch-and-release” policy. After moving to California, he encountered IHOP waitress Shalini Thakur, 38, through DoorDash pickups and began a campaign of intimidation that led her to seek a restraining order in July 2025.
Rohit ignored the order, returned to Thakur’s residence, and on a Tuesday shot her outside a Panera Bread, then again in the head after she fell in a parking lot. A witness photographed his car, enabling deputies to locate him on Highway 50, where he engaged in a brief standoff and took his own life. Sheriff Jim Cooper said the rapid response likely prevented further harm.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns over immigration release policies and their potential public-safety implications.
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