Jaahnavi Kandula: The Indian Student Who Died in a US Road Accident

Jaahnavi Kandula was a bright and ambitious student who had come to the US from Andhra Pradesh to pursue her master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. She was 23 years old and had dreams of becoming a software engineer.

But on January 23, 2023, her dreams were shattered when she was hit by a police car driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was responding to a report of an overdose. The officer was driving at nearly 120 kmph on the way to the scene, violating the speed limit and endangering other road users.

Kandula was crossing the street at the intersection of Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street when she was struck by the officer’s car. She suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where she succumbed to her wounds.

The officer claimed that he did not see Kandula and that he did not intend to hit her. He said that he was following his siren and flashing lights, which are supposed to warn pedestrians of his presence. He also said that he did not know that Kandula was crossing the street.

However, his bodycam footage released by the Seattle Police Department showed otherwise. In the video, another officer can be heard laughing and joking while discussing the accident with his colleague. He said that Kandula was dead and that they should write a check for $11,000 as compensation for her family. He also said that she was 26 years old and had limited value.

The video sparked outrage and grief among Kandula’s family, friends and fellow students. They demanded justice for her death and accountability from the police department. They also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her funeral expenses.

The Indian Consulate in San Francisco also took up the matter with the local authorities in Seattle and Washington State. It said that it had taken up the matter strongly with senior officials in Washington DC for a thorough investigation and action against those involved in this tragic case.

The case has raised questions about the safety of pedestrians in Seattle, especially those who cross busy roads at night or in low-light conditions. It has also exposed the lack of empathy and professionalism among some police officers who treat human lives as disposable.

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