KTR demands justice for Jahnavi Kandula, Telugu student killed in US police collision

HYDERABAD: Former Telangana IT minister and BRS working president KT Rama Rao expressed dismay on Thursday, stating that it was disgraceful and absolutely unacceptable that the US cop who struck and killed Indian student Jahnavi Kandula, from Andhra Pradesh, wouldn't face criminal charges due to a lack of evidence.

He demanded that the U.S. Ambassador in India, Eric Garcetti, take up the matter with US Government authorities and deliver justice to the family of Jahnavi Kandula. He also requested External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to take up the matter with his counterpart and demand an independent investigation into the incident.

He took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) on Thursday and said, "It is tragic that the life of a youngster with soaring ambitions has been cut short, but what’s more tragic is the callous disregard for justice to the victim."

This is not the first time that BRS leader KTR has demanded justice for Jahnavi Kandula. Previously, he urged US Ambassador in India, Eric Garcetti, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to deliver justice to Jahnavi's family. He expressed deep concern and sadness over the insensitive remarks made by U.S. police officers.

Jahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from Adoni in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, died in a road accident on January 25, 2023, when a Seattle Police car collided with her. The Seattle police officers were recorded conversing at the scene, and footage from their body-worn cameras circulated widely on social media.