A U.S. court has approved a settlement of approximately ₹262 crore (around $32 million) to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a police vehicle in Seattle in January 2023. The agreement brings formal closure to a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit that drew international attention.

Background of the Case
Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student at the University of Washington, died after being hit by a Seattle police patrol car responding to an emergency call. The incident quickly became a matter of public concern, particularly after internal body camera footage and audio recordings surfaced during subsequent investigations.

The recordings, which included controversial remarks by a police union official, intensified scrutiny of the department’s response and prompted widespread criticism both in the United States and India.

Legal Proceedings and Settlement
Kandula’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Seattle, seeking accountability and compensation. The recently approved settlement resolves the case without proceeding to a full civil trial.

Under U.S. legal practice, such settlements:

Conclude litigation through negotiated agreement
Do not necessarily represent an admission of liability
Require court approval to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards
The compensation amount reflects several legal considerations, including projected lifetime earnings, emotional damages, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Broader Implications
The case sparked renewed debate about police emergency response protocols, oversight mechanisms, and transparency in law enforcement agencies. It also raised diplomatic sensitivities given that the victim was an international student.

While financial compensation cannot undo the loss, the settlement represents a significant legal resolution and marks one of the larger wrongful death payouts involving a municipal authority in recent years.

The City of Seattle has stated it remains committed to reviewing policies and ensuring public trust, as discussions about accountability and institutional reform continue.

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