Indian student killed by police vehicle in Washington; family awarded Rs 262 crore compensation

WASHINGTON: The family of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was killed after being hit by a police vehicle while crossing a road in the United States, will receive $29 million (around Rs 262 crore) in compensation. It was the Seattle City Council that announced the decision. Jaahnavi, a native of Andhra Pradesh, died in 2023 after she was struck by a police vehicle in Seattle, Washington.

The vehicle was driven by police officer Kevin Dave, who was reportedly speeding at 119 kmph while responding to an emergency call. Following the accident, a video footage surfaced showing another police officer, Daniel Auderer, making comments that appeared to mock Jaahnavi’s death, leading to widespread outrage. The decision to grant substantial compensation came after Jaahnavi’s family filed a civil lawsuit.

In a statement, City Attorney Erika Evanssaid Jaahnavi Kandula’s death was extremely heartbreaking. She expressed hope that the compensation would bring some comfort and peace to the family. The statement added that Jaahnavi’s life was valuable and meaningful to her family, friends, and the community.