Jaahnavi Kandula death: Seattle Mayor issues apology as community members demand justice

New Delhi: In response to the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in USA’s Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell has recently extended his apologies. The 64-year-old leader said that they are taking steps to ensure that their apology – as representatives of the city – deeply resonates with the community and the grieving family.

Harrell stated that members of the Indian community have united due to the unfortunate and insensitive remarks that were said to be made. He also offered their condolences for the loss.

Know what actually happened

23-year-old Kandula was hit by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave while she was crossing a street on January 23. Officer Dave was traveling at a speed of 74 mph (more than 119 km/h) while responding to a report of a drug overdose call.

In bodycam footage made public on Monday by the Seattle Police Department, Officer Daniel Auderer could be seen laughing about the tragic collision.

South Asian community demands justice

More than 100 people from the South Asian community in the Seattle area assembled at Denny Park on Saturday and proceeded to the intersection where Kandula was killed.

Also read: Indian student killed by cop’s car to be awarded master’s degree posthumously

They displayed placards with messages: ‘Jaahnavi had more value than Seattle Police Department’ and ‘Justice for Jaahnavi, jail killer cops’. The gathering was organized by UTSAV, an organization headquartered in Bothell that facilitates connections between South Asians and their communities, with “UTSAV” meaning festival or celebration.

PeeCee joins the cause

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas expressed that every life is precious and said it’s disheartening to know that a tragic incident that took place nine months ago is only now coming to public attention. Priyanka, who resides in Los Angeles, shared these thoughts on her Instagram Stories on Saturday night.

The Biden administration has given its assurance to the Indian government that they will conduct a swift investigation into the incident and make sure that the police officers responsible for it are brought to justice.