The city of Seattle in Washington has reached a $29 million settlement (nearly Rs 262 crore) with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from India. She was run over and killed by a speeding police officer while crossing a street in the United States in 2023.
In a statement on Wednesday, city attorney Erika Evans said, "Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family." She also stated, "Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends, and to our community."
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The incident
Kandula was from Andhra Pradesh and was studying for a master's degree at the Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union. She came to the United States from Bengaluru in 2021 through a student exchange programme and was set to graduate this December.
However, she was struck by officer Kevin Dave, who was responding to a drug overdose call at the time and reportedly driving at speeds of up to 119 km/h (74 mph) in an area where the limit was 40 km/h (25 mph).
Massive outrage and protests followed
Her death caused widespread anger and protests in 2023. The anger intensified after body camera footage from another officer emerged. In it, the officer laughed and remarked that Kandula's life had "limited value" and that the city should "just write a check".
Indian diplomats demanded an investigation into the incident. The city's civilian oversight body later stated that the comments by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was also a union leader, damaged the department's reputation and weakened public trust.
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Auderer was fired and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city for wrongful termination. He claimed his remarks were intended to criticise how lawyers might act in the case.
The police department also fired the officer who was driving. He received a citation for negligent driving and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. King County prosecutors decided not to pursue felony charges, stating they could not prove he had knowingly disregarded safety when he struck Kandula.
About $20 million of the settlement is expected to come from the city’s insurance.
