Washington/Seattle. In the US, President Joe Biden’s administration has assured the Indian government of an immediate investigation into the death of Indian student Jhanvi Kandula after she rammed a police patrol car in Seattle and bring to justice the police officers responsible.
The US government swung into action after India’s ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, raised the issue at the highest level in Washington and demanded immediate action on Kandula’s killing and the highly insensitive attitude of a police officer in Seattle, Washington state.
Killed in a collision with a police vehicle
Kandula died in January when he was hit by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave. The Seattle Times newspaper reported on Monday that he was driving at over 119 kilometers per hour on his way to the scene after receiving reports of an overdose. In bodycam footage released Monday by the Seattle Police Department, Officer Daniel Ord laughs off the fatal crash and denies that Dave is at fault or that a criminal investigation is needed.
Also Read- ‘This attitude is very disturbing…’, American policeman mocks Indian student’s death, India takes tough stance
Indian-Americans expressed anger over Kandula’s death
American lawmakers and Indian-Americans have expressed outrage over Kandula’s death. The Biden administration has assured the Indian government to speedily investigate the incident and bring the guilty police officers to justice. Senior administration officials are believed to have assured the ambassador and the Indian government that they have taken the entire incident very seriously. Officials said they were ‘shocked’ and ‘horrified’ by the incident.
The embassy said that the matter was taken up strongly
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco on Wednesday described the manner of investigation into Kandula’s death as “extremely troubling”. “We have appealed to local authorities in Seattle and Washington State, as well as senior officials in Washington DC, to fully investigate and prosecute those involved in this tragic case,” the embassy said in a post on social media platform X. The matter has been taken up strongly,” the post said. “The consulate and embassy will continue to closely monitor the matter with all relevant authorities,” the post said.
Also Read- ‘She’s worth nothing’ Policeman beats up Indian student in US, seen laughing to death – video surfaced
What did MP Ro Khanna and Pramila Jaipal say?
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said, “Janvi Kandula came here from India for graduate work. Kandula was killed by a speeding police car while crossing the road and the officer’s order said her life had ‘limited value’. At this I thought of my father who came here at the age of 20. Mr. Orderer, the life of every Indian immigrant has infinite value.” “Anyone who thinks that human life has a ‘finite value’ should not serve in law enforcement,” said Khanna, an Indian-American lawmaker. Pramila Jaipal said, “This is. Horrible.” I hope justice is served for Jhanvi Kandula’s family and those involved are held accountable.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell clarified
In a letter to the Kandula family, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said comments made by one individual do not reflect the feelings of the city or communities. Consul General of India in San Francisco, Ashok Mandula, is in constant contact with Seattle city and Washington state officials on the issue.
,
Tags: America News, We are the police
First published: September 14, 2023, 15:24 IST