Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has strongly called for a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula, emphasizing the need for a serious approach by the Seattle Police Department, PTI reported. Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student, lost her life in a devastating accident when she was struck by a police car traveling at a shocking speed of 74 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone.
Krishnamoorthi expressed his dismay at the callousness exhibited by a Seattle police officer who was recorded making insensitive remarks about her death and questioning the value of her life.
Jaahnavi Kandula, a dedicated student at Washington’s Northeastern University, met with the fatal accident while crossing a pedestrian walkway on the fateful night of January 23, 2023. The disturbing video recording features an officer named Daniel Auderer, who can be heard callously saying, “Yeah, just write a cheque. USD 11,000. She was 26 anyway, she had limited value.”
Jaahnavi Kandula was on the brink of graduating with a master’s degree in information systems from Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, working diligently to support her mother in India. Her family has chosen to remain silent, except for one poignant question from her uncle: “I wonder if these men’s daughters or granddaughters have value. A life is a life.”
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Joe Biden administration has assured the Indian government of a swift and comprehensive investigation into Jaahnavi Kandula’s tragic demise. Furthermore, they have pledged to hold the responsible police officers accountable for their actions. The urgency of the situation was heightened after India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, raised the issue at the highest levels in Washington, condemning both the fatal accident and the insensitive conduct of the Seattle police officer.
Senior administration officials have expressed their deep concern and shock over the incident, vowing to closely monitor the investigation from Washington DC. This response comes in the wake of widespread outrage from US lawmakers and Indian-Americans alike. Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna remarked, “Jaahnavi Kandula came here for graduate work from India. She was killed on a crosswalk by a speeding police car, and officer Auderer said her life had ‘limited value.’ I thought of my dad who came here in his 20s. Mr. Auderer, the life of every Indian immigrant has infinite value.” Congressman Khanna further emphasized that individuals who devalue human life should not be serving in law enforcement.
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal also expressed her dismay, calling the incident “appalling” and expressing hope for justice for Jaahnavi Kandula’s grieving family and accountability for all those involved.
Seattle City Mayor Bruce Harrell extended his condolences to the Kandula family and stressed that the insensitive comments of one individual do not reflect the sentiments of the city or its diverse communities. Mayor Harrell acknowledged that Jaahnavi’s tragic passing was a loss for the entire community, recognizing her potential for making meaningful contributions and sharing joy with loved ones.
The Seattle Office of Police Accountability has initiated an investigation into the incident and aims to conclude it by January 29. Jaahnavi Kandula was on the brink of graduating with a master’s degree in information systems from Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, working diligently to support her mother in India. Her family has chosen to remain silent, except for one poignant question from her uncle: “I wonder if these men’s daughters or granddaughters have value. A life is a life.”
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