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Rs 260 Crore Settlement for Family of Indian Student Killed by US Officer February 12, 2026 19:42

The city of Seattle has settled for $29 million (about Rs 262 crore) with the family of a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was hit by a fast police officer while she was crossing the street in 2023. Jaahnavi Kandula was struck by Officer Kevin Dave, who was going as fast as 74 mph (119 kph) in a 25-mph (40-kph) area while answering a call about a drug overdose. He had his emergency lights flashing and was using his siren at intersections. “The loss of Jaahnavi Kandula was tragic, and the city hopes this settlement helps the Kandula family find some closure,” City Attorney Erika Evans stated on Wednesday. “Jaahnavi Kandula's life was important. It was important to her family, her friends, and our community. ” Kandula was pursuing a master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle location. The lawyers for Kandula's family did not respond right away to requests for comments via email or phone. The involved parties submitted a settlement notice to King County Superior Court last Friday. The local news site PubliCola was the first to report on this agreement. Kandula's death led to anger and protests, especially after a video from another officer’s body cam was released. In this video, the officer laughed and remarked that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and suggested the city should “just write a check. ” Indian diplomats called for an investigation. The city's civilian oversight group determined that the comments made by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was also a union leader, harmed the department’s image and weakened public confidence. Auderer was later let go from his job and has filed a lawsuit against the city for wrongful dismissal. He claimed his comments were meant to criticize how lawyers might react to the tragedy. The police department also dismissed the officer who was driving, who received a citation for careless driving and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. King County prosecutors decided not to bring felony charges against him, stating they couldn't prove he deliberately ignored safety when he hit Kandula.

Three Indians Arrested In Canada's Surrey February 03, 2026 20:07

Three Indian citizens were taken into custody in Canada after a late-night shooting occurred in the seaside area of Crescent Beach in Surrey on January 31. As per a statement from the Surrey Police Service, these three individuals are now officially charged under the Criminal Code of Canada. Law enforcement reported that the arrests happened in the early morning of February 1, 2026, after they received alerts about gunshots and a small fire outside a residence near the intersection of Crescent Road and 132 Street in Crescent Beach. The call came in around 3:50 am local time, while officers working on Project Assurance were patrolling the area alongside the Major Crime Section of the police. According to the police announcement, officers began searching nearby streets and found the three suspects a short while later close to 28 Avenue and 140 Street. The men were arrested after they got into a rideshare car. The Major Crime Section of the SPS then took charge of the investigation. Officials have now filed the same charges against all three suspects. Harjot Singh, who is 21, Taranveer Singh, 19, and Dayajeet Singh Billing, also 21, each face a charge of discharging a firearm in a public place, which violates Section 244.2(1)(a) of Canada’s Criminal Code. The police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and more charges might be added as they continue to examine evidence and pursue new leads. All three individuals are currently detained and are expected to stay in custody until at least February 5, 2026, before their next court hearing. The police announcement also mentioned the Surrey Extortion Reward Fund, which was created in September 2025, offering up to $250,000 to people whose tips lead to charges and convictions in extortion cases.

Indian-Origin Couple Arrested In USA for Prostitution Racket January 19, 2026 19:12

A couple of Indian descent, along with three other individuals, have been taken into custody in Virginia, United States, for trafficking drugs and sex after law enforcement officials conducted a raid at a motel connected to the criminal operations. Kosha Sharma, aged 52, and Tarun Sharma, aged 55, are said to have used the top floor of their Red Carpet Inn to sell drugs and engage in prostitution while keeping guests on the lower floors, based on information from federal prosecutors in northern Virginia. They were arrested following a raid by federal and local agents after a number of undercover investigations. Court records indicate that since May 2023, Kosha Sharma, also known as Ma or Mama K, along with Tarun Sharma, known as Pop or Pa, and Kosha LLC, operating as the "Red Carpet Inn," have leased and managed the motel. Allegations in a criminal complaint state that the married couple permitted a prostitution and drug operation to function from the motel while benefiting financially from the illegal activities. Authorities mentioned that Kosha would direct individuals looking for prostitutes and drugs to the third floor and would warn them if law enforcement approached, often preventing officers from entering the rooms. Additionally, three other individuals—51-year-old Margo Pierce, 40-year-old Joshua Reddick, and 33-year-old Rashard Smith—were arrested during the operation for their involvement in the alleged illegal activities. Documents from the court revealed that between May and August 2025, undercover agents from Prince William County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, posing as prostitutes, pimps, and clients, visited the motel at least nine times. The records indicated that at least eight women were exploited for prostitution from the inn, with Smith, along with several unnamed accomplices, charging between $80 and $150 for sexual services. Reports also stated that the women were not allowed to leave and suffered physical abuse. During the same period, undercover agents conducted 15 different drug transactions at the motel, purchasing fentanyl eleven times and cocaine four times. "The complaint claims that Margo Waldon Pierce, also known as Marko, supplied the illegal drugs in all 15 controlled purchases," the documents stated. Police reported that the five individuals face charges for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. If found guilty, they face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide the overall sentence, taking into account the US Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.

Telugu girl Killed by Ex-Boyfriend in USA January 05, 2026 15:13

Nikitha Rao Godishala, a 27-year-old woman from India, was discovered deceased with knife injuries inside her ex-boyfriend's house in Maryland, USA. Her former boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, reported her missing on January 2, claiming he last encountered Godishala on New Year's Eve at his place in Maryland City. Following the missing person's report, Sharma left for India, according to the police. The next day, January 3, investigators located Godishala's body at Sharma's residence. Authorities suspect that Sharma took Godishala's life shortly after 7 pm on December 31. The police have accused the ex-boyfriend of first and second-degree murder and are actively pursuing his arrest. Godishala worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland. She became part of the company in February 2025, and within just a few months, she earned the "All-In Award" for her work. In a LinkedIn post about her achievement, Godishala expressed: "This award serves as a reminder of the purpose and duty I strive to fulfill. I am eager to keep contributing with focus, creativity, and that same 'all-in' spirit that brought me to this point. Here's to advancing, creating, and stepping into 2026 with energy. " Before her time at Vheda Health, Godishala worked at Management Sciences for Health for over a year, holding the position of Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist (Technical Advisor). Prior to that role, from June 2022 to May 2023, she was affiliated with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In India, Godishala served as a Clinical Pharmacist intern at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals for a year and a half, before becoming a Clinical Data Specialist for two years. She studied pharmacy at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University from June 2015 to September 2021, then relocated to the United States for a master's degree in health information technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. As per her LinkedIn profile, Godishala was proficient in three languages: English, Hindi, and Telugu. She was passionate about using data insights to enhance healthcare systems and improve patient results.

Indian Student Killed In Germany On New Year January 02, 2026 11:54

Hruthik Reddy's family had been looking forward to his return for the Sankranti festival. Now, it is the deceased student's body from Telangana that is set to arrive in the new year. The 25-year-old student lost his life in a fire incident in Germany late Wednesday night. Authorities reported that a significant fire erupted at his home in Germany. As he attempted to flee the quickly escalating flames and heavy smoke, it is said that Hruthik jumped from the upper level of the building in Berlin and sustained injuries to his head. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he passed away during treatment. This tragedy happened on New Year's Day, transforming a moment meant for joy into one of grief for his family. A shadow of sadness has fallen over his home in Malkapur village, located in the Jangaon district of the state, as the family struggles with the shock of his unexpected loss. Hruthik Reddy had gone to Magdeburg in Germany in June 2023 to study for a master's degree at the University of Europe. He completed his studies at Vaagdevi College of Engineering in 2022. He had reportedly chosen to skip a break during the Dasara festival, with plans to return home in the second week of January to celebrate Sankranti instead. Local officials in Germany are currently looking into what caused the fire. In the meantime, Hruthik's family and friends in Telangana have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Germany to speed up the process of returning his remains to his home village for the final farewell. This incident follows a series of unfortunate events involving Telugu students living abroad, including the recent death of a 24-year-old woman from Jangaon district in a house fire in the US last month. The victim, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, had relocated to the US in 2021 for further education. She was residing in Albany, New York. According to early reports, the fire started in a nearby building and quickly spread to Sahaja's residence. She was reportedly asleep when the fire began and could not get out in time.

Indian Woman Detained During Green Card Interview December 16, 2025 14:16

A woman of Indian descent, aged 60, was taken into custody in the United States by immigration officials during her most recent green card interview. Babblejit "Bubbly" Kaur, who has lived in the US since 1994, was detained by federal agents while she was at an appointment for a biometric scan related to her ongoing green card situation, as shared by her daughter Joti. Kaur’s green card petition has been endorsed by her daughter, who is a US citizen, and by her husband, who holds a green card, according to Long Beach Watchdog. Joti informed the publication that on December 1, her mother was at the reception area of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office when several federal agents entered. Kaur was then called into the room with those agents and was notified that she was being taken into custody. Kaur was given the chance to call her lawyer, yet she remained detained, stated her daughter. For many hours, the family had no idea where Kaur had been taken. They discovered later that she was moved overnight to Adelanto, which was once a federal prison but now serves as an ICE detention center, where she is currently kept. After her family immigrated to the US, they initially moved to Laguna Beach and later relocated to Long Beach when job opportunities arose in the Belmont Shore area. Kaur and her spouse have three children: 34-year-old Joti, who has status in the US under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), along with her older brother and sister, both of whom are US citizens. For over 20 years, Kaur and her husband ran a restaurant called Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, becoming a "beloved part of the Long Beach community," as the report mentioned. She also worked for about 25 years at the Rite Aid pharmacy in Belmont Shore until the chain shut down its last stores earlier this year. More recently, she had been getting ready to return to work in the restaurant business at Royal Indian Curry House. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, representing Long Beach, has urged for Kaur's release. His office stated that he has been in touch with federal agencies concerning the matter while her family is preparing further legal documents that might enable Kaur to be released on bail as her case moves forward. As reported by her family, Kaur is being held in a large shared room at Adelanto with many other detainees. The lights in her space are kept on all night, and there is constant noise, which makes it hard for her to sleep, her family told IndiaWest. Kaur has been allowed to see family during limited visiting hours, but the process often requires waiting a whole day to have a short visit. "It's a nightmare... We are doing everything possible to get her out. She doesn’t belong there. It’s very cruel," Joti expressed.

Indian Student Missing in Russia for 19 Days Found Dead November 07, 2025 19:25

The mortal remains of a 22-year-old Indian student, who had been missing in Ufa, Russia for 19 days, were discovered in a dam on Thursday. Ajit Singh Chaudhary, who lived in Kaphanwada village in Lakshmangarh, Alwar, Rajasthan, began his MBBS studies at Bashkir State Medical University this year. He vanished in Ufa on October 19. According to sources, the student left his hostel around 11 AM, mentioning he was going to get some milk, but he never came back. Nitin Sangwan, the chairman of Alwar Saras Dairy, stated that Chaudhary's body was located in a dam near the White River. The Indian Embassy in Russia has not released a statement yet but they informed Chaudhary's relatives about his passing on Thursday, sources reported. Former Union Minister Jitendra Singh Alwar noted that Chaudhary's clothes, phone, and shoes were discovered near the riverbank 19 days ago. He suggested that something suspicious had happened to the young man. "Ajit, from Kaphanwada village, was sent to Russia by his family with great hopes, having pooled their hard-earned money for his medical education. Hearing that Ajit's body has been found in the river is incredibly shocking. This is a very sad time for the Alwar family; we have lost a young man with so much potential under suspicious circumstances," he stated in a message on X on Thursday. "The family was very upset after they learned about the 22-year-old going missing; they had been trying and praying for his safe return," he continued. The Congress leader called upon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to assist in bringing the student’s body back to India. "An unfortunate event has happened to the young man under suspicious circumstances; this needs thorough investigation. The family should not be required to run around your offices anymore," he expressed. The All India Medical Students' Association (HQs) Foreign Medical Students Wing, which is part of the All India Medical Students' Association, has also reached out to Jaishankar regarding this issue. "The friends of the student attending the same university have confirmed that it is his body," said the association. The university has not yet provided any comments regarding the student's death.

US Faces 70-80% Drop in Indian Students July 18, 2025 20:04

US colleges and universities have seen a significant decline in the number of Indian students arriving. Due to the ongoing troubles with international students under the Trump administration, education advisors in Hyderabad have observed a 70 percent drop in students traveling abroad. This reduction arises from the current halt in visa appointment availability and a sudden increase in the number of visa applications being denied. "At this time of year, most students have typically completed their visa interviews and are preparing to depart. This year, we keep checking the website every day, hoping to find an available slot. It’s the worst situation we’ve faced in years," stated Sanjeev Rai from Hyderabad Overseas Consultant in an interview with the Times of India. US officials had assured that visa slots would gradually become available, but there is a lot of uncertainty, making students anxious. Furthermore, students who do manage to secure slots often do not receive any confirmation, Ankit Jain from Window Overseas Education Consultancy remarked, suggesting that the lack of confirmation might be due to the US testing their system. As a result, many students are looking at other nations for their education. "I really couldn’t just wait around. I could end up losing a whole year. It feels like a dead end right now, so I’ve decided to pull my application," shared a 23-year-old who is now considering Germany for a master's degree in automotive engineering. Arvind Manduva from I20Fever consultancy noted, "If slots don't become available in the coming days, many dreams will be crushed. We’re seeing about an 80 percent decrease. We receive urgent calls every day from students and their families". Another problem is that students who applied as early as March and got interview slots are now experiencing an unexpectedly high rate of visa rejections. “Many students who would typically have had easy approvals are being denied. Their social media profiles are also clean. The only explanation they keep getting is a 214B,” Jain added. Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act is a frequent cause for visa refusals. This occurs when the person applying cannot show enough connections to their home country to indicate they will go back after their trip. Ravi Lothumalla from US Admission, an immigration consulting business located in Dallas, Texas, mentioned that this isn’t a new procedure. The guidelines, reviews, and checks have been in effect for many years and are now being enforced. The US Consulate General in Hyderabad announced that appointment slots have reopened and suggested students check the embassy or website for available times. "We are committed to thoroughly checking visa applicants to ensure they do not plan to harm America or our interests, and that they convincingly prove their eligibility for the visa they are applying for, including that they plan to partake in activities that align with their admission conditions. We advise applicants to apply as soon as possible and be prepared for longer processing times for these visa types," stated a spokesperson from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad. Last year, India passed China by sending over 330,000 students to the United States. As per information from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as of January 1, 2024, more than 1.16 million Indian students were enrolled in higher education institutions overseas, and the number of students choosing Europe has been continuously increasing.

New Route to UAE Residency with Golden Visa July 07, 2025 20:25

In a significant policy shift, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new Golden Visa program that grants permanent residency to eligible Indian nationals through nomination, eliminating the requirement for investments in real estate or businesses. Instead of the previous investment-linked model, applicants can now obtain lifelong residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 1,00,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh). Previously, Indian citizens had to invest a minimum of AED 2 million (around Rs 4.66 crore) in qualifying sectors to be eligible for the prestigious Golden Visa in the UAE. The updated program allows individuals to be nominated based on their professional accomplishments, societal contributions, or potential to support key sectors like science, arts, finance, trade, startups, and culture in the UAE. The UAE has initially launched this new residency model as a pilot program for citizens of India and Bangladesh, with expectations of over 5,000 applications from India in the first quarter. The application process in India is being facilitated by Rayad Group, the official consulting partner for the initiative. They are collaborating with VFS Global and One Vasco centers in both India and Bangladesh to handle in-person applications, along with providing digital portal and customer support hotline options for submission. Managing Director of Rayad Group, Rayad Kamal Ayub, emphasized the exceptional opportunity this presents to Indian professionals and talent. He noted that the selection process involves thorough checks such as financial due diligence, criminal history verification, and analysis of digital footprints, including social media activities. Although nominations are assisted by the consultancy, the ultimate decision lies with the UAE's immigration authorities. Successful applicants will have the ability to sponsor family members, hire domestic or professional staff, and engage in economic and business ventures. Unlike previous visas tied to property investments, this nomination-based Golden Visa offers lifelong validity. The introduction of this new program highlights the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the UAE, particularly following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. Authorities suggest that the program may expand to other CEPA partner countries like China in subsequent phases.

Vietnam Unveils 10-Year Golden Visa Program May 26, 2025 20:39

In an ambitious effort to emerge as a premier destination for international talent and investment, Vietnam has introduced a decade-long Golden Visa program designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and long-term travelers, especially from rising economies such as India. Launched in May 2025, this initiative presents an attractive array of residency perks, entrepreneurial prospects, and digital flexibility, positioning Vietnam as a distinct alternative within Southeast Asia. For Indian citizens, this Golden Visa symbolizes potential long-term stability and accessibility. With a validity span of up to ten years and the possibility of renewal, this visa provides its holders the freedom to live, work, or establish businesses in Vietnam without the hassle of repeated applications. Entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to invest in promising industries, including information technology, renewable energy, and textiles. Meanwhile, the country’s affordable living costs, strong internet connectivity, and vibrant expatriate communities appeal to digital nomads and remote professionals. The program comprises three principal visa categories: - Investor Visa: Designed for those investing capital in Vietnamese enterprises or sectors. - Talent Visa: Targeted towards skilled professionals, especially in technology, finance, healthcare, and education. - Golden Visa for Long-Term Tourists and Retirees: Created for individuals wishing to enjoy an extended stay or a tranquil retirement. The application process is expected to be efficient and entirely online, eliminating the necessity for in-person embassy appointments. This visa will also accommodate dependents, allowing families to apply collectively and benefit from the local healthcare and educational systems. Significant advantages include: - Renewable residency lasting between 5 to 10 years - Access to public amenities and infrastructure - Possible pathway to permanent residency over time - A framework conducive to digital nomadism To apply, candidates must possess a valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds or relevant professional qualifications, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Once approved, individuals will receive long-term residency status and can include their spouses and children in the application. The initial phase of this program will target major urban centers in Vietnam—such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc island—with additional information regarding eligibility requirements and documentation to be released by local authorities in the near future. For Indians aiming to broaden their international presence, relocate for career opportunities, or embrace a change in lifestyle within Asia, Vietnam's Golden Visa offers a compelling new pathway.

Indian-Origin Techie Killed In a Tragic Accident In US May 15, 2025 21:12

Vishnu Irigireddy, a tech professional of Indian descent, was one of three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a climbing incident in the North Cascades Range of Washington state. Aged 48 and residing in Seattle, Vishnu was attempting to scale the North Early Winters Spire with three friends—Tim Nguyen, 63, Oleksander Martynenko, 36, and Anton Tselykh, 38—when the accident occurred on Saturday, as reported by NBC News. The group noticed an approaching storm and began their descent, but during the retreat, their anchor point failed, causing them to fall approximately 200 feet, according to a climbing website. Tselykh, the only climber to survive, managed to endure the perilous drop and drove 64 kilometers to alert the authorities about the incident that claimed the lives of his friends. Those close to Vishnu characterized him as an adept climber who derived joy and purpose from nature. A tribute from family and friends on remembr.com noted that Vishnu, originally from India, was a proud part of Seattle’s dynamic tech and cultural communities, living a life embodying values such as integrity, compassion, and a continuous drive for personal growth. His cremation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, and in his honor, his loved ones plan to donate to two non-profit organizations, as he had developed a strong passion for mountaineering throughout his life. They urged others to contribute to these charities until May 22. Vishnu held the position of Vice President of Engineering at Fluke Corporation, a manufacturing company specializing in test equipment located in the Greater Seattle Area. Following his passing, the company released a statement praising him as an exceptional leader and expressing that his absence was felt deeply throughout the organization. Tselykh is currently hospitalized, receiving treatment for internal bleeding and a traumatic brain injury. North Early Winters Spire, located in the Liberty Bell group of the North Cascades, is favored by seasoned climbers.

Indian student killed in Canada by Stray Bullet April 19, 2025 15:49

A 21-year-old student from India lost her life after being inadvertently caught in a shooting between two groups in Canada. According to Hamilton Police, Harsimrat Randhawa was at a bus stop when a stray bullet hit her during the altercation that involved two vehicles. Enrolled at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, she was en route to her workplace at the time of the tragic event. Randhawa is the fourth Indian national to pass away in Canada within the last four months. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed that she was an innocent bystander who was “fatally struck” by the bullet. "We are profoundly grief-stricken by the tragic loss of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa... As indicated by local authorities, she fell victim to random gunfire during a shooting between two cars. A homicide investigation is currently in progress. We are maintaining close communication with her family and providing them with all necessary support," stated a tweet from the Consulate. Hamilton Police reported that the shooting took place at the intersection of Upper James and South Bend Road. They discovered Randhawa suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest and swiftly transported her to a nearby medical facility, where she later passed away. Surveillance footage from the area captured an individual in a black vehicle firing at the people in a white sedan. Both cars fled the scene following the gunfire. Additionally, police noted that nearby homes were also impacted by the gunfire, resulting in bullets breaking a window; fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident follows a series of three separate killings involving Indians in Canada over the past four months, prompting the Indian government to advise its citizens to be vigilant amid rising hate crimes and violent acts in the country. On December 1, 2024, Gurasis Singh, a 22-year-old postgraduate student from Ludhiana in Punjab, was fatally stabbed at his rented home. Another Indian student, also 22 and from Punjab, Rittika Rajput, died when a tree fell on her during a late-night gathering with friends; authorities are investigating this incident. Furthermore, on December 6, Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old of Indian descent working as a security guard, was shot and killed by a gang in Edmonton.