Shalini Thakur’s Mother Says Police Failed to Protect Her: Inside the Tragedy That Shocked Sacramento

For Sudesh Kumari, a trip from India to Sacramento was supposed to be a chance to spend several months with her daughter. Instead, she is now preparing to say goodbye to her only child.

Her daughter, 38-year-old Shalini Thakur, was fatally shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant in Sacramento on September 8. Authorities say she had been subjected to months of alleged stalking and harassment before her death.

Investigators identified 22-year-old Rohit Rohit as the suspected shooter. After fleeing the shopping center, he was located on Highway 50. A police standoff followed, and authorities later found him dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

For Thakur’s family, the tragedy is especially painful because they say there were warning signs.

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the alleged stalking began months before the shooting. Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden beneath the hood of her vehicle in January. Investigators said Rohit allegedly used the device to monitor her movements.

Authorities also described other incidents.

Rohit allegedly deflated one of Thakur’s tires and followed her to work after she encountered the problem. He also allegedly obtained a copy of her apartment key and entered her home while she was sleeping. Authorities said he later claimed he had entered because he was concerned about her welfare.

Thakur’s own court filing provided additional details.

She said the stalking had started around September 2025 and had become increasingly severe. She reportedly described Rohit’s repeated presence near her home and alleged that he attempted to control her social interactions.

The filing also contained allegations that he tried to pressure her into marriage and made threats involving suicide and violence.

Thakur reported concerns to authorities in March.

Initially, she did not pursue criminal charges or seek a restraining order, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies nevertheless continued contacting her because of concerns about the alleged behavior.

In May, officials again encouraged her to seek a court order.

Thakur eventually obtained one.

But the legal protection did not end the alleged behavior. On July 29, she reported that Rohit had left grocery items at her door. Authorities treated the incident as a possible violation of the restraining order and attempted to locate him.

Then came September 8.

Rohit allegedly arrived at the shopping center before Thakur. When she was dropped off near her vehicle, investigators said he approached her.

She tried to run.

Authorities said he chased her and shot her multiple times.

Thakur died at the scene.

Her mother later told local media that she believed her daughter had repeatedly sought help and that the system failed to keep her safe. CBS Sacramento reported that Kumari had traveled from India to spend time with her daughter and was now visiting the site of the killing, where flowers and candles had been placed in Thakur’s memory.

The case has also generated discussion about whether restraining orders can adequately protect victims facing determined stalkers.

Experts cited by KCRA said restraining orders are important legal tools but cannot physically prevent a person from approaching a victim. Repeated violations may eventually lead to criminal consequences, but enforcement depends on authorities being able to identify and respond to each incident.

Thakur’s death has therefore become more than a single criminal case.

It has raised questions about the warning signs that can precede stalking-related violence, the limits of court protection and the difficulties families face when trying to persuade authorities that a threat is becoming more serious.

For Kumari, however, the broader debate cannot change what happened.

She lost her only daughter.

Thakur’s family and friends have described her as caring, hardworking and generous. A fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral and memorial expenses. Her two dogs also require care following her death.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events that preceded it.