• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Jaahnavi Kandula Death: India sought a review of the US court ruling that dropped criminal charges against Seattle police officer Kevin Dave who mowed down the 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. The prosecutor said Seattle cop will not face criminal charges due to lack of 'sufficient' evidence.

"On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death of Jaahnavi Kandula, the 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," the Indian embassy in Seattle wrote on X.

We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including Seattle Police for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to the Seattle City Attorney’s office for review. We await completion of Seattle Police's administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case," it added.

ALSO READ: Congress, AAP Finalise Seat-Sharing Deal In Delhi, Other States Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls; No Pact In Punjab

On January 23, 2023, Kandula, a student at Northeastern University in South Lake Union, died after being struck by a Seattle Police car driven by Officer Kevin Dave at a pedestrian crossing. On Wednesday, authorities in the US ruled that Dave will not face any criminal charges due to the lack of evidence.

Earlier on Friday, Hindu advocacy group, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said it is "doubly shocking that such serious violations of civil rights of Hindus of different backgrounds and ages do not even merit any restorative justice."

"It is shocking and disheartening to see the investigation into the killing of #JaahnaviKandula be dismissed with no charges against those who struck her. Where is #justice for the family of this young international student, run over in a #Seattle sidewalk by a police car?" CoHNA said in a post on X.

A massive stir was witnessed 13 months back when Jaahnavi Kandula was fatally struck by Seattle Police Department Officer Kevin Dave. According to the investigation, Dave struck the Indian student at a speed of 63 mph (101 kph), which prevented him or Kandula from having enough time to "detect, address, and avoid a hazard that presented itself."