Indian Techie's Tragic End in US: Family Pleads for MEA Intervention After Police Shooting

A pall of grief has descended upon a family in Bachupally, Hyderabad, as news reached them of the tragic demise of their beloved son, Mohammad Azam, in a harrowing police shooting incident in Austin, Texas. The 27-year-old Indian techie, who had embarked on his American dream just a few years ago, was killed by US police, leaving his family shattered and desperately seeking answers and support from the Indian government.

According to reports from US authorities, the Austin Police Department responded to a distress call regarding a domestic dispute involving Azam on April 6.

The police allege that Azam was found wielding a knife and, despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, he reportedly charged at the officers, prompting them to open fire. The incident quickly escalated, resulting in his fatal injury. However, for Azam’s distraught parents, Mohammad Siraj and his wife, this explanation offers little solace, as they grapple with the incomprehensible loss of their son.

Mohammad Azam had arrived in the United States in 2020 to pursue a Master’s degree at Texas A&M University – Commerce.

Having successfully completed his studies, he had secured a promising position with a tech company and was eagerly anticipating his return to India in May. The family had already begun preparations for his wedding, a joyous occasion that now stands tragically cancelled, replaced by an unbearable void.

Azam was not just a tech professional; he was a beacon of hope and pride for his family, whose dreams now lie shattered.

The family's anguish is palpable as they make a heartfelt plea to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), led by Dr. S. Jaishankar, and other prominent Indian leaders, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and former minister K.

T. Rama Rao. Their urgent request is twofold: to facilitate the swift repatriation of Azam's body to his homeland so they can perform his last rites, and to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to his death. "We just want our son back," his father reportedly lamented, expressing the profound pain of a parent robbed of their child under such tragic circumstances.

The Indian Consulate in Houston has reportedly been apprised of the incident and is working with US authorities.

However, the family's desire for transparency and justice remains paramount. The untimely death of Mohammad Azam serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and unforeseen tragedies that can befall Indians living abroad, reinforcing the critical role of governmental support in times of crisis. As the family awaits intervention, their grief is a testament to the immense personal cost of such unforeseen incidents, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and profound sorrow.