Jaahnavi Kandula death: Seattle mayor apologises to Indian community

NEW DELHI: Seattle's Mayor, Bruce Harrell, has issued an apology to the Indian community in response to their outrage over a police officer's insensitive remarks regarding the tragic death of a university student.

The victim, Jaahnavi Kandula, aged 23, was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing a crosswalk at the Northeastern University Seattle campus in January. The officer involved, Kevin Dave, was driving at an excessive speed of 74mph in a 25mph zone. Sadly, Jaahnavi succumbed to her injuries later that night.

Mayor Harrell expressed his condolences in a letter addressed to Jaahnavi's parents, stating, "As the Mayor of Seattle, I want you to know that our community is devastated and shares in the grief with your families, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing Jaahnavi." He emphasized that the remarks made by one individual do not represent the sentiments of the city or its diverse communities.


The Seattle Police Department faced severe backlash after bodycam footage, made public recently, revealed Officer Daniel Auderer, who responded to the scene, callously describing the incident and even laughing. In the video, he is heard saying, "No, it’s a regular person – yeah, yeah, just write a check. $11,000. She was 26 [sic] anyway. She had limited value."

This disturbing video has been referred to the Seattle Office of Police Accountability for investigation, examining the context in which these statements were made and any potential policy violations.

Approximately 20 members of the Indian community met with Mayor Harrell and Police Chief Adrian Diaz, conveying their demand for greater respect and a cultural shift within the city. Mayor Harrell acknowledged their concerns, stating, "Members of the Indian community have come together due to the unfortunate and insensitive remarks that I believe were made. We are committed to ensuring that our official apology resonates with your community and family. My heartfelt condolences for your loss."


Members of the South Asian community staged a protest at the site where Jaahnavi was struck by the police officer, calling for a thorough investigation into her death. Their signs read "Jaahnavi had more value than SPD" and "Justice for Jaahnavi, jail killer cops."

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has taken up the matter with authorities in Seattle and Washington, DC, describing it as "deeply troubling" and demanding a comprehensive investigation and action against those responsible. The US State Department has also expressed its concern, labeling the situation as disturbing and acknowledging the troubling remarks in the recently released bodycam footage from the Seattle Police Department.