Indian Student Jahaanvi Kandula’s Death Raises Questions as US Officer Gets Cleared; India Urges Review

India has called for a review of the recent US court judgment that dropped criminal charges against Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, who was involved in the fatal incident resulting in the death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. The move comes after the prosecutor cited a “lack of sufficient evidence” in pursuing criminal charges against Officer Dave.

Jaahnavi, a Master’s student from Andhra Pradesh, was tragically struck by Officer Kevin Dave’s speeding car on January 23 last year while he was responding to a drug overdose call. The impact caused her to be flung 100 feet, leading to her untimely death.

Disturbing revelations surfaced through bodycam footage, exposing Officer Dave’s colleague, Daniel Auderer, making callous remarks about the incident. Auderer was heard laughing about the deadly crash and assuring Dave that he won’t face prosecution, insensitively commenting on Jaahnavi’s age and value.

The Indian embassy has expressed its commitment to seeking justice for Jaahnavi’s family and is closely monitoring the situation as the Seattle police continues its investigation.

In response to the recently released investigation report by the King County Prosecution Attorney, the Indian embassy stated, “On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death of Jaahnavi Kandula, Consulate has been in regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family.”

Expressing concern over Officer Auderer’s remarks, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, Leesa Manion, emphasized that while the comments were “appalling and deeply troubling,” they did not alter the legal analysis of Officer Dave’s conduct. Prosecutors cited a “lack of sufficient evidence” to prove that Officer Dave showed a “conscious disregard for others’ safety.”

As the case awaits further review by the Seattle City Attorney’s office, India continues to advocate for justice and closely monitors developments in the administrative investigation by the Seattle Police.