India has formally requested an inquiry into the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian student fatally struck by a police car, driven by Kevin Dave, while she was crossing a street in Seattle, United States. The incident has sparked outrage due to the emergence of the video in which a police officer, Officer Daniel Auderer, can be heard making jokes and laughing about Kandula’s death.
Take a look:
Jaahnavi Kandula, a 26 year old masters student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus was k!lled when a Seattle City Police car ran over her. Officer Kevin Dave was driving it.
Now, listen to how Detective Daniel Auderer, Vice President of Seattle Police Officers Guild… pic.twitter.com/eismKhFY7V
---Advertisement---— saloni🇮🇳 (@salonivxrse) September 13, 2023
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed concern over the incident and the viral video, describing it as “deeply troubling.” In a post shared by India in SF’s handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, they articulated that a matter with local authorities in Seattle, Washington State, and senior officials in Washington DC, urging a thorough investigation and action against those involved has been raised.
The Consulate and Embassy will closely monitor the progress of the case with all relevant authorities.
Recent reports including in media of the handling of Ms Jaahnavi Kandula’s death in a road accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling. We have taken up the matter strongly with local authorities in Seattle & Washington State as well as senior officials in Washington DC
— India in SF (@CGISFO) September 13, 2023
.. for a thorough investigation & action against those involved in this tragic case.
The Consulate & Embassy will continue to closely follow up on this matter with all concerned authorities.@IndianEmbassyUS @MEAIndia— India in SF (@CGISFO) September 13, 2023
According to reports, the officer, Kevin Dave, was travelling at 74 mph (119 kmph), and Kandula’s body was thrown over 100 feet (30 meters). Auderer, an impairment recognition officer, was called to the scene to evaluate whether or not Dave was impaired.
In the footage, Officer Auderer can be heard making offensive comments about the victim’s value and suggesting that the city should merely provide compensation. He also dismisses the need for a criminal investigation or any implication that the officer might be at fault.
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