Seattle Approves $29 Million Settlement for Indian Student's Tragic Death
In a landmark decision, authorities in Seattle, Washington, have agreed to pay a staggering $29 million (approximately Rs 262 crore) as compensation to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Telugu student from Andhra Pradesh who was fatally struck by a police vehicle in January 2023. The settlement comes nearly three years after the incident that sparked international outrage, particularly when body camera footage revealed a police officer laughing about her death.
A Heartbreaking Twist: Father Passes Before Closure
However, in a devastating turn of events, Jaahnavi's father, police constable Kandula Srikanth, passed away on February 10, just two days before the settlement became public. The Kandula family now faces a painful reality: receiving substantial financial compensation, but without their daughter who would have returned with a U.S. degree, and without their father to witness the long-awaited legal resolution.
Seattle City Attorney Erica Evans confirmed the settlement this week, describing Jaahnavi's death as "deeply saddening" and expressing hope that the agreement would offer some relief to her grieving family. A joint motion seeking court approval of the settlement was recently filed, marking a significant development in a case that drew condemnation from both India and the United States.
The Tragic Incident That Shook Two Nations
Jaahnavi Kandula, originally from Halvi village in Kowthalam mandal of Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue a master's degree at Northeastern University's Seattle campus. On the night of January 23, 2023, she was crossing a road when she was struck by a speeding police patrol vehicle driven by officer Kevin Dave. The car was traveling at 119 kmph in a 40-km zone, and the impact threw her nearly 100 feet, killing her instantly.
The tragedy triggered widespread anger after body camera footage revealed another officer, Daniel Auderer, vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, laughing and making insensitive remarks about her death. The comments led to Auderer being removed from duty and intensified calls for police accountability.
Community Support and Family's Unbearable Grief
Community organizations, including the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), extended support to the family and demanded accountability. Political leaders from Andhra Pradesh also sought diplomatic intervention to ensure a fair investigation.
For Jaahnavi's father, however, the legal battle and public outrage did little to ease his profound grief. He had been under immense emotional strain since his daughter's death and had taken long leave from his duties. Recently posted as head constable at Guntakal, he was on his way to assume charge when he suffered a fatal heart attack after boarding an autorickshaw from Guntakal railway station.
Family members revealed that he silently carried the weight of his loss. "He struggled every day after Jaahnavi's death," said Sridhar, Jaahnavi's uncle, adding that it was particularly tragic he did not live to know that the compensation was finally granted. Jaahnavi is survived by her mother and a sister who is five years younger.
The settlement represents one of the largest compensations in such cases, highlighting the severity of the incident and the ongoing discussions about police conduct and justice for victims' families.
