NEW DELHI: India has formally requested a reconsideration of the recent US court ruling that dismissed criminal charges against Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, who was behind the death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. The King County Prosecutor's Office announced on Wednesday that they would not pursue criminal charges against Dave, citing a "lack of sufficient evidence."
"On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death of Jaahnavi Kandula, Consulate has been in regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family," Indian Consulate in Seattle posted on X.
"We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including Seattle Police for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney's office for review. We await completion of Seattle Police's administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case," it added.
The incident occurred on January 23, when Kandula was fatally struck by a police vehicle driven by police officer Dave while crossing a street in Seattle. Dave was reportedly driving at a speed of 74 mph (more than 119 km/h) while responding to a drug overdose call. The impact of the speeding police patrol vehicle catapulted Kandula 100 feet, leading to her untimely demise.
Bodycam footage released by the Seattle Police Department captured Officer Daniel Auderer laughed off at the death and dismissed that Dave might be at fault or that a criminal investigation was warranted. Auderer, who was not involved in the January collision, was captured in the video saying, "But she is dead" and laughing while on the phone.
The callous attitude displayed in the footage added fuel to the demand for accountability and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Kandula's death.
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