Cop Who Struck And Killed Jaahnavi Kandula Let Go

India-West News Desk

SEATTLE, WA – In the tragic incident of January 23, where 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula was fatally struck by a Seattle police vehicle, Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving and responding to a drug overdose call at a speed of 74 mph has been absolved of all responsibility.

Despite the severity of the incident, the King County Prosecutor’s Office announced on February 21 that Officer Dave will not face criminal charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence under Washington State law.

Jaahnavi, a master’s student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was thrown 100 feet upon impact. The court’s decision not to pursue criminal charges has raised concerns about accountability in cases involving law enforcement officers. In a statement, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion acknowledged the heartbreaking impact of Jaahnavi’s death and expressed the office’s responsibility to review all available evidence.

The appalling comments made by Officer Daniel Auderer, captured on video, along with Officer Dave has drawn strong condemnation. Auderer’s insensitive remarks included saying, “But she is dead” and laughing while on the phone. “She was 26 anyway,” Auderer said in the video. “She had limited value.”

Officer Auderer, Vice President of the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild, faced disciplinary action for his insensitive comments and was reassigned to a non-operational position. His disciplinary hearing is scheduled for March 4.