Seattle Agrees to Rs 265 Crore Settlement in Death of Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula
The city of Seattle will pay Rs 265 crore (USD 29 million) to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a speeding police vehicle in 2023, concluding a case that sparked international outrage and diplomatic concern.
Kandula was hit by a patrol car driven by Officer Kevin Dave as she crossed a Seattle street. Authorities said Dave was travelling at speeds of up to 119 kmph in a 40-kmph zone while responding to a drug overdose call. The vehicle’s emergency lights were on, and the siren was reportedly used at intersections.
Kandula, a master’s student in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, succumbed to her injuries shortly after the crash. Announcing the settlement, City Attorney Erika Evans said, “Jaahnavi Kandula’s death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this resolution brings some measure of closure to her family. Her life mattered — to her loved ones and to our community.”
The agreement was filed in King County Superior Court last week, with around USD 20 million expected to be covered by municipal insurance.
Controversy and Fallout
The case drew widespread criticism after body camera footage showed another officer, Daniel Auderer, laughing and making comments suggesting Kandula’s life had “limited value” and that the city should “just write a check.” The remarks triggered protests and prompted diplomatic engagement from India. Seattle’s civilian police oversight body later concluded that the comments harmed the department’s credibility and eroded public trust.
Auderer was dismissed from service and has since filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination, arguing that his remarks were sarcastic and intended as criticism of how legal authorities might assess the case. Officer Kevin Dave was also terminated. He was cited for negligent driving and fined USD 5,000. However, prosecutors declined to pursue felony charges, stating they could not establish criminal intent or prove that he acted with reckless disregard under the applicable legal standard.
The settlement brings financial resolution to a case that intensified scrutiny over police conduct and accountability in the United States.
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