Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student murdered earlier this year by a speeding police car, will be awarded her degree posthumously, according to Northeastern University, where she was studying. The news comes following the publication of a video in which a police officer can be heard joking about her death and declaring that her life had “little value.” Jaahnavi was set to graduate with a master’s degree in information systems in December.
According to a statement on the university’s website, the posthumous degree will be delivered to Jaahnavi’s family. The chancellor’s statement quoted Dean Dave Thurman as noting that everyone on campus “loved her bubbly laugh, sense of humour, and infectious personality.” Her death will be “deeply felt by students, staff, and faculty.” Jaahnavi was hit by a police car while crossing the street. The said car was travelling at approximately 120 kilometres per hour. Jaahnavi was thrown 100 feet away after the automobile hit her. She was transported to a hospital but died as a result of her injuries.
A body-cam evidence released earlier this week shows a police officer laughing over Jahhnavi’s death
Seattle Police released body-cam evidence earlier this week in which a police officer, who is also the vice-president of the police union, can be heard laughing over Jahhnavi’s death. This has elicited significant reactions in both India and the United States. The Indian government has contacted US officials to conduct an extensive probe into the matter. The university has acknowledged the police video in an online statement.
“This week, Jaahnavi’s friends and loved ones are enduring the additional pain of new developments related to this tragedy. Callous and insensitive remarks by a Seattle police officer have become public, reopening wounds and deepening our collective heartbreak. We also recognize that our Indian student community—across all Northeastern campuses—has been especially impacted by this tragedy and its aftermath. We stand in solidarity with you and have every expectation that the ongoing investigations will bring a measure of justice and accountability,” said the statement from the university.