Indian Student Death News / US to Pay Rs 262 Crore in Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula Death Case
·1 month ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Seattle agrees to $29 million (approx Rs 262 crore) settlement with family of Jaahnavi Kandula, killed by a speeding police vehicle in 2023.
- Officer Kevin Dave was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone; he was fired and fined $5,000 but faced no felony charges.
- Outrage grew after bodycam footage showed another officer mocking her death; India had sought an investigation.
Seattle, Feb 12: Authorities in Seattle agreed to pay 29 million US dollars (approximately Rs 262 crore) to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was struck and killed by a speeding police vehicle in January 2023.
The settlement brings to a close a 110 million US dollar lawsuit filed in 2024 against the City of Seattle and former police officer Kevin Dave. Around 20 million US dollars of the payout is expected to be covered through the city’s insurance, according to officials.
Who Was Jaahnavi Kandula?
Jaahnavi Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus when she was hit on January 23, 2023, while crossing a street. Officer Dave, who was responding to a high-priority overdose call, was driving at speeds of up to 74 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. Emergency lights were activated and the siren was used intermittently.
Dashcam footage showed Kandula stepping onto the road moments before the collision. The impact propelled her more than 100 feet, resulting in fatal injuries.
In February 2024, prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Dave, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. He was later cited for second-degree negligent driving, fined 5,000 US dollars, and subsequently dismissed from the police department.
Also Read: Hindu Man Found Dead With Tied Limbs In Bangladesh On Election Eve
Outrage Over Death
The case drew widespread outrage after body camera footage surfaced of another officer, Daniel Auderer, laughing and remarking that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and suggesting the city should “just write a cheque.” Auderer was later fired.
In a statement announcing the settlement, lawyer Erika Evans described Kandula’s death as “heartbreaking” and said the agreement may offer some measure of closure to her family. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered — to her family, her friends and to our community,” she said.
The Government of India had earlier sought a thorough investigation into the incident.
The settlement brings to a close a 110 million US dollar lawsuit filed in 2024 against the City of Seattle and former police officer Kevin Dave. Around 20 million US dollars of the payout is expected to be covered through the city’s insurance, according to officials.
Who Was Jaahnavi Kandula?
Jaahnavi Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus when she was hit on January 23, 2023, while crossing a street. Officer Dave, who was responding to a high-priority overdose call, was driving at speeds of up to 74 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. Emergency lights were activated and the siren was used intermittently.
Dashcam footage showed Kandula stepping onto the road moments before the collision. The impact propelled her more than 100 feet, resulting in fatal injuries.
In February 2024, prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Dave, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. He was later cited for second-degree negligent driving, fined 5,000 US dollars, and subsequently dismissed from the police department.
Also Read: Hindu Man Found Dead With Tied Limbs In Bangladesh On Election Eve
Outrage Over Death
The case drew widespread outrage after body camera footage surfaced of another officer, Daniel Auderer, laughing and remarking that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and suggesting the city should “just write a cheque.” Auderer was later fired.
In a statement announcing the settlement, lawyer Erika Evans described Kandula’s death as “heartbreaking” and said the agreement may offer some measure of closure to her family. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered — to her family, her friends and to our community,” she said.
The Government of India had earlier sought a thorough investigation into the incident.
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