Seattle:
The city of Seattle has agreed to pay $29 million (around Rs 262 crore) to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a speeding police vehicle in 2023.
Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was reportedly driving at speeds of up to 74 mph (119 kmph) in a 25-mph (40 kmph) zone while responding to a drug overdose call. The officer had activated his emergency lights and was using his siren at intersections.
Calling the incident tragic, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans said in a statement that the city hopes the settlement provides some measure of closure to Kandula’s family. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered — to her family, her friends, and to our community,” she said.
Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus at the time of her death.
The settlement notice was filed in King County Superior Court last week, with local outlet PubliCola first reporting the development. Attorneys representing Kandula’s family did not immediately comment. Approximately $20 million of the payout is expected to be covered by the city’s insurance.
The case sparked widespread outrage, especially after body camera footage revealed another officer, Daniel Auderer, laughing and suggesting that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and that the city should “just write a check.” The remarks led to protests and diplomatic concern from Indian officials, who called for a thorough investigation.
A civilian oversight body concluded that Auderer’s comments damaged the police department’s credibility and eroded public trust. He was subsequently dismissed and has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, claiming his remarks were sarcastic and aimed at criticising potential legal responses to the incident.
Officer Dave was also fired from the department. He was cited for negligent driving and fined $5,000. However, prosecutors in King County declined to pursue felony charges, stating they could not establish that he acted with deliberate disregard for safety at the time of the crash. (Agencies)
