Who Was Jaahnavi Kandula? Indian Student Who Died In Police Car Collision In Seattle

The inhumane reaction of a United States cop following the death of the 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula where he is heard joking and laughing about her death, has triggered widespread condemnation. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has termed the incident as "deeply disturbing". 

Following this, the US administration on Thursday assured that a swift and fair investigation will be conducted in the case. 

Who Was Jaahnavi Kandula?

Daughter to a single mother, the 23-year-old hailing from Andhra Pradesh was pursuing a master's degree at Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union. In 2021 she went to the US from Bengaluru on a student exchange programme and was due to graduate this year in December. 

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According to a Seattle Times report, Kandula's mother taught at an elementary school and had taken a loan to support her education in the US. 

Jaahnavi Kandula. (Photo credit: gofundme.com)

Kandula's uncle said that the 23-year-old's priority was to support her family. Condemning the policeman's behaviour after the accident, Kandula's grandfather said that it only makes the situation worse for the family who is yet to cope with her untimely demise. 

What Happened On January 23? The Day Of The Seattle Accident

On January 23, Jaahnavi Kandula who was crossing the street was hit by a police patrol car and died soon after. The police car was being driven by officer Kevin Dave at a speed of 119 kmph and the 23-year-old's body was thrown at a distance of 100 feet after the vehicle hit her. 

Reportedly, Dave was on his way to a report of an overdose when he hit Kandula at the intersection of Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street. 

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Kandula was taken to the Harbourview Medical Centre where she succumbed to her injuries.

Reaction Of The Police Officer

A massive outrage broke after the Seattle Police Department released a footage earlier this week related to the incident which was taken through accused officer Daniel Auderer's body camera. In the clip, he is heard laughing during a call after saying "She's dead". Towards the end of the clip, the officer is heard saying "Just write a check. Eleven thousand dollars. She was 26 anyway, she had limited value".