Seattle has reached a massive $29 million settlement with the grieving family of Jaahnavi Kandula, the Indian graduate student whose life was cut short by a police car hurtling at excessive speed. This development follows closely on the heels of her father’s sudden death, leaving the Kandula family in profound sorrow.
The 23-year-old from Andhra Pradesh was pursuing advanced studies in information systems when Officer Kevin Dave collided with her at over 74 mph in a school zone on January 23, 2023. Despite sirens blaring, the impact was catastrophic, flinging her body airborne for about 100 feet, as evidenced by dashcam recordings.
Public fury erupted over a police bodycam clip where an officer mocked the incident, laughing crudely about ‘giving CPR to her head.’ This insensitivity fueled diplomatic tensions, with Indian officials urging full accountability.
Adding to the heartbreak, head constable Srikant Kandula passed away from cardiac arrest on February 10 in Guntakal, where he served. His last rites were performed in Adoni two days later.
Announced on February 12, the settlement ends the family’s 2024 civil suit seeking $110 million. ‘Jaahnavi’s death was heartbreaking. We hope this brings the Kandula family some measure of relief,’ said City Attorney Erika Evans. She stressed that Jaahnavi’s life held immense value to all who knew her.
Reeling from dual losses, the family discovered the compensation news online and recently received an invitation from a U.S. official for a March visit.