Authorities in Seattle have agreed to pay 29 million USD (Rs 262 crore) to settle a illegal death lawsuit filed by the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was hit and killed by a speeding police officer in January 2023.
This settlement resolves a 110 million USD lawsuit filed in 2024 against the city and former Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, who was fired last year. About 20 million USD of the settlement will likely be covered by the city’s insurance.
Jaahnavi Kandula family Wins Rs 262-Crore Settlement
In a statement about the settlement, lawyer Erika Evans called Kandula’s death “heartbreaking.” She expressed hope that the financial agreement would bring some closure to her family. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered—to her family, her friends, and to our community,” Evans said.
Kandula was pursuing her master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. She was hit on January 23, 2023, while crossing the street. Officer Dave was responding to a high-priority overdose call and was driving as fast as 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. He had his emergency lights on and was using his siren intermittently.
Dies in US Cop Killing
CCTV footage showed Jaahnavi Kandula trying to cross the street just before the collision. The impact was so strong that she was thrown more than 100 feet through the air.
In February 2024, the prosecutor’s office chose not to file legal charges against Dave, stating there was not enough evidence to prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. He was later cited for second-degree negligent driving, fined 5,000 USD, and fired from the police department.
Kandula’s death prompted outrage, especially after a recording from another officer’s body camera, Daniel Auderer, came to light. In the recording, he laughed and suggested Kandula’s life had “limited value,” and the city should “just write a cheque.” India called for a proper investigation into the incident, and Auderer was fired.
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