California woman chased, fatally shot by illegal immigrant DoorDash driver who stalked her for months: DHS
Sacramento Woman Fatally Shot by Illegal Immigrant Who Had Stalked Her for Months
A 38‑year‑old Sacramento County resident was shot to death outside a Panera Bread on Tuesday, after an illegal immigrant who had been stalking her for months was released into the United States under a federal policy. Police later apprehended the suspect, who killed himself with a gun.
The victim, Shalini Thakur, was standing near her car when the attacker, an illegal immigrant from India who entered the United States illegally through Arizona in August 2023, approached her. He chased her as she tried to flee and fired a shot to the head. The attacker then got into a vehicle, drove away, and when police finally caught up, he shot himself.
DHS officials said the incident would have been avoided if the Biden administration had not released the individual. “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.”
The man had been stalking Thakur for at least seven months. In January, Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag under the hood of her vehicle, which investigators say prompted the suspect to begin his pursuit. He had worked as a DoorDash delivery driver and would frequently park outside her home, talk to her daily, and attempt to coerce her into marriage. He also deflated her car tires, followed her to work, obtained a copy of her apartment key so he could enter her home while she slept, and threatened to shoot himself or anyone she met.
Despite a restraining order issued in May, the attacker continued to stalk Thakur until at least July. Thakur’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, told reporters that “she could have been saved. She told police so many times,” adding that “she called them, but nobody did anything.”
The suspect was initially detained by U.S. Border Patrol after crossing into the country in August 2023. He was released pending a court appearance, a move that has drawn criticism from DHS and other officials who argue that the policy allowed a violent stalker to remain in the United States.
A DoorDash spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries about the suspect’s former employment.
The killing has reignited calls for stronger protections for victims of stalking and for a review of immigration policies that allow individuals with violent histories to remain in the country. The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement when restraining orders fail to prevent an attack.
For anyone experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, resources are available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255).