Hyderabad: The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, the 23-year-old graduate student killed by a police officer in Seattle in 2023, suffered another blow after her father passed away, just two days before the $29 million settlement deal.
Kandula Srikanth, a retired police constable, died of a heart attack on February 10 in Kurnool district, a relative told the media.
Jaahnavi Kandula’s life was cut short in January 23, 2023, when she was struck by a speeding police patrolling vehicle while she was crossing the street in Seattle.
“Srikanth’s last rites were conducted on Wednesday in Adoni, Kurnool district, as the family grappled with yet another devastating loss,” the relative told news agency PTI. He said that the family is in mourning and it is inappropriate to talk about the settlement money.
Jaahnavi was a graduate student at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University.
Family files lawsuit in Sept 2024:
On Thursday, the city of Seattle agreed to pay $29 million (Rs 262 crore in Indian currency) to her family.
In September 2024, they filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle and officer Kevin Dave for $110 million, as well as an additional $11,000. The settlement includes $11,000. The additional amount is in reference to the callous, insensitive remarks made by SPD Officer Daniel Auderer. Kevin Dave and Daniel Auderer were later fired for violating department policies, standards and damaging the department’s reputation.