What began as unwanted attention allegedly developed into a terrifying campaign of stalking, surveillance and intimidation before ending with the death of Sacramento woman Shalini Thakur.
Thakur, 38, was fatally shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant on September 8 after investigators said a 22-year-old man, Rohit Rohit, confronted and chased her. The suspect later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff on Highway 50.
The details emerging from police statements and court documents paint a picture of months of escalating behavior.
Thakur’s civil harassment restraining-order filing stated that the stalking began around September 2025 and became progressively more frequent and severe. She reportedly knew Rohit through his DoorDash work, as he would collect orders from her workplace.
At some point, according to investigators, his attention allegedly turned into persistent surveillance.
In January, Thakur discovered an Apple AirTag hidden beneath the hood of her vehicle. AirTags are small tracking devices designed to help users locate personal belongings, but authorities said in this case the device was allegedly being used to monitor Thakur’s movements.
Another alleged tactic involved her car.
Investigators said Rohit deflated one of Thakur’s tires and then followed her to work after she encountered the problem. Authorities said he appeared to use the situation as an opportunity to approach her and offer assistance.
The alleged behavior then moved from surveillance of her vehicle to her home.
Sheriff’s officials said Rohit obtained a copy of Thakur’s apartment key and entered her residence while she was sleeping. According to authorities, when Thakur later learned what had happened, Rohit claimed he had entered because he was concerned about her after she failed to answer him.
For a person experiencing stalking, such incidents can transform ordinary places such as a car or home into sources of fear. In Thakur’s case, court documents described a pattern that she said was becoming increasingly difficult to escape.
She reportedly told the court that Rohit would spend long periods parked outside her home waiting to speak with her. One April incident allegedly involved him remaining outside her residence for hours.
The court filing also alleged that Rohit attempted to control whom she socialized with and tried to pressure her into marriage. Thakur reportedly described threats involving suicide and violence toward others.
By March, she had contacted authorities about the alleged conduct.
Initially, Thakur did not seek criminal charges or a restraining order, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies continued communicating with her, however, and encouraged her to seek a court order when concerns about the situation continued.
She eventually obtained a restraining order in May.
But the order did not completely stop the alleged contact.
On July 29, Thakur reported that Rohit had left grocery items outside her home, which authorities considered a possible violation of the order. Deputies attempted to locate him but were unsuccessful.
Weeks later, the situation turned deadly.
On September 8, Rohit allegedly waited at the shopping center where Thakur worked. When she arrived, investigators said he confronted her. She attempted to flee, but he allegedly followed her and opened fire.
Thakur died at the scene.
The suspect’s vehicle was subsequently located on Highway 50. A police standoff followed before Rohit was found dead inside the vehicle.
The case has since prompted renewed discussion about the challenges of protecting stalking victims when threatening behavior continues despite court intervention.
For Thakur’s mother, however, the issue is deeply personal. She has said her daughter had repeatedly sought help and that she believes greater protection might have prevented the killing.
The investigation remains focused on reconstructing the full sequence of events leading from the alleged stalking campaign to the fatal shooting.