It has no special value… American policemen were making fun of 23 year old Jhanvi’s death, India adopted a tough stance and Biden administration came into action.

India’s ambassador to the United States has sought prompt action in a video matter. It shows a Seattle police officer laughing over the death of 23-year-old Indian student Jhanvi Kandula. The Biden administration took cognizance of the issue and assured the Indian government of an expeditious investigation into the matter. After the ambassador raised the issue with officials in Seattle and Washington, senior administration officials are believed to have assured him and the Indian government that they took the entire incident very seriously.

Expressing shock and horror at the incident, officials said they are monitoring the investigation and progress of the case from Washington DC to ensure adequate accountability. Earlier, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco also took cognizance of the video and described the matter as extremely disturbing. The consulate said it has raised the matter with authorities in Seattle and Washington DC. “Recent reports, including in the media, of the handling of the death of Ms Jhanvi Kandula in a road accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling,” the Consulate wrote on Twitter. We have strongly raised this matter with local authorities in Seattle and Washington State, as well as senior officials in Washington DC, for a thorough investigation and action against those involved in this tragic incident. Consulates and embassies will continue to liaise closely with all authorities concerned (CIS) on this matter.

Jhanvi Kandula was killed on January 23 this year after being hit by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave. The Seattle Times newspaper reported that Dave was driving at 74 mph (~119 km/h) to the overdose call.