Bollywood Priyanka Chopra Jonas reacts to tragic killing of Indian student in Seattle
Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle, Washington, Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas emphasized the irreplaceable value of a human life. Kandula, aged 23, lost her life when she was struck by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was traveling at an excessive speed of 74 mph (approximately 119 km/h) while responding to a report of a drug overdose on January 23.
The devastating incident occurred as Kandula was crossing a street within a designated crosswalk.
The impact was so severe that she was thrown a staggering 100 feet by the police patrol car. Disturbingly, bodycam footage, recently released by the Seattle Police Department, captured Officer Daniel Auderer making callous remarks about the fatal collision.
He seemed to dismiss any notion that Officer Dave might be responsible or that a criminal investigation was warranted.
Expressing her shock and dismay, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is based in Los Angeles, took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday night to convey her sentiments, saying, «It's appalling to learn that such a tragic incident that happened 9 months ago is only coming to light NOW. A life is a life.
One cannot put any value to it.»
In a chilling video, Officer Auderer can be heard callously stating, «Yeah, just write a check. USD 11,000.
She was 26 anyway, she had limited value.»
The shocking incident has sparked outrage among US lawmakers and Indian-Americans, who are demanding justice for Kandula. In response to the growing outcry, the Biden administration has pledged to swiftly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible for the tragic death of the Indian student face the consequences of their actions.
