Family of Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula to Receive ₹262 Crore Settlement After Fatal Police Crash in U.S.
The city of Seattle has agreed to a $29 million (approximately ₹262 crore) settlement with the family of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was fatally struck by a speeding police officer in 2023.
Kandula, a graduate student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving up to 119 km/h in a 40 km/h zone while responding to a drug overdose call. His emergency lights were on, and he used his siren at intersections.
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans said the city hopes the settlement “brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family,” adding: “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered.”
Public Outrage and Investigations
Kandula’s death sparked widespread outrage, especially after body-camera audio captured Officer Daniel Auderer — then a police union leader — laughing and suggesting her life had “limited value,” saying the city should “just write a check.”
Seattle’s civilian oversight office found his comments harmful to public trust. Auderer was fired and is now suing the city for wrongful termination.
Action Against the Officers
- Officer Kevin Dave, who struck Kandula, was fired from the Seattle Police Department.
- He was cited for negligent driving and fined $5,000.
- Prosecutors declined felony charges, saying they could not prove deliberate disregard for safety.
Legal Settlement
The settlement was filed in King County Superior Court last week, with roughly $20 million expected to be covered by city insurance.
India’s consulate had earlier requested a thorough investigation following the incident.