In January 2023, a young Indian student was killed in Seattle by a speeding US police car in a tragic event that rocked both India and the US. In February 2026, the city of Seattle reached a settlement with her family for $29 million (about ₹260 crore) following years of legal disputes and public outcry. In the United States, this payout is among the biggest in a wrongful Indian Studen death case involving a police accident.
The Indian student was who?
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Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from Andhra Pradesh, India, was the woman at the center of the case. She was scheduled to graduate later in 2023 from Northeastern University’s Seattle campus with a master’s degree in information systems. When the incident occurred, Jaahnavi was constructing her future after traveling to the US on a student program.
That Fateful Day: What Happened?
On January 23, 2023, Seattle police officer Kevin Dave’s patrol car struck Jaahnavi as she was crossing the street in a designated crosswalk. At the time of the incident, the officer was traveling at a speed of up to 119 km/h (74 mph) in a 40 km/h (25 mph) zone while responding to an emergency call regarding a drug overdose. His siren was reportedly not used continually, despite the fact that his emergency lights were on.
Jaahnavi was flung about 100 feet (about 30 meters) through the air due to the collision’s extreme intensity. She was rushed to the hospital right away, but her injuries ultimately caused her death.
Outrage and Controversy from the Public
The release of body camera footage from a different police officer who was not involved in the collision—identified as Daniel Auderer—made this case even more stunning. Auderer was heard making offensive remarks and joking about Jaahnavi’s passing in the video, claiming that the city could “just write a check” and that her life had “limited value.” Both in the US and India, this documented response provoked intense indignation.
Concerns regarding police accountability, behavior, and regard for human life were brought to light by the occurrence. Numerous people expressed disapproval of the police department’s initial response and called for significant changes to the way law enforcement operates
Court Cases and Settlements
Following the tragedy, Jaahnavi’s family sued the city of Seattle and the implicated police officers for wrongful death. The city consented to a $29 million settlement, or around ₹260 crore, following years of court processes. In a case involving a pedestrian killed by law enforcement in the United States, the settlement is regarded as one of the biggest.
Officials estimate that the city’s insurance will pay about $20 million of the settlement, with the remaining funds coming from other sources. The compensation may provide some closure to the bereaved family, according to city attorney Erika Evans, who acknowledged the significance and worth of Indian Student’s life.
A Police Officer’s Destiny
Officer Kevin Dave was fired by the Seattle Police Department for striking Jaahnavi with his squad car. He was not charged with a felony because prosecutors believed there was insufficient evidence to establish that his actions were motivated by criminal intent. In addition, he received a $5,000 fine and a warning for reckless driving.
After his bodycam remarks sparked a public outcry, Officer Daniel Auderer eventually lost his job. Since then, he has sued the city, alleging wrongful termination.
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