Seattle Approves $29 Million Settlement for Family of Indian Student Killed by Police Car
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 tragically killed by a speeding police vehicle in January 2023. The settlement, confirmed this week by Seattle City Attorney Erica Evans, represents one of the largest wrongful death payouts in the city's history and marks a significant development in a case that sparked international outrage and condemnation.
A Heartbreaking Twist: Father Passes Away Before Settlement Announcement
In a devastating turn of events, Jaahnavi's father, Kandula Srikanth, a police constable himself, passed away on February 10, just two days before the settlement became public knowledge. Srikanth had been under immense emotional strain since his daughter's death and was on long leave from his duties. He was recently posted as head constable at Guntakal and was en route to assume charge when he suffered a fatal heart attack after boarding an autorickshaw from Guntakal railway station.
"He struggled every day after Jaahnavi's death," said Sridhar, Jaahnavi's uncle, highlighting the profound grief that consumed Srikanth. Family members revealed that he silently carried the weight of his loss, making it particularly tragic that he did not live to witness the long-awaited financial closure. The Kandula family now faces the painful reality of receiving a settlement worth crores of rupees, but without their beloved daughter who would have returned with a U.S. degree and without the father who fought for justice.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Police Misconduct
Jaahnavi Kandula, a native of Halvi village in Kowthalam mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, 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 police patrol vehicle driven by officer Kevin Dave. The car was traveling at a reckless speed of 119 kmph in a zone with a 40 kmph limit, and the impact threw Jaahnavi nearly 100 feet, killing her instantly.
The tragedy ignited widespread anger after body camera footage revealed another officer, Daniel Auderer, who served as vice-president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, laughing and making insensitive remarks about Jaahnavi's death. His comments, which included callous jokes about her value, sparked condemnation across both India and the United States, leading to Auderer's removal from duty. The footage became a focal point for demands for police accountability and transparency.
Community Support and Legal Proceedings
Community organizations, including the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), extended significant support to the Kandula family and demanded accountability from Seattle authorities. Political leaders from Andhra Pradesh also sought diplomatic intervention to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the incident. The joint motion seeking court approval of the $29 million settlement was filed recently, with City Attorney Erica Evans describing Jaahnavi's death as "deeply saddening" and expressing hope that the agreement would offer some relief to her grieving family.
Jaahnavi is survived by her mother and a sister who is five years younger. The settlement, while substantial, cannot undo the irreplaceable loss suffered by the family, compounded now by the death of Srikanth. This case continues to highlight issues of police conduct, immigrant safety, and the emotional toll of seeking justice in cross-border tragedies.
