India pursuing case of US cop who was freed after killing student

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, February 24

The government has strongly taken up the matter and sought a review of an American police officer not facing any criminal charges in the death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle on January 23.

Reacting to the local prosecutor stating that she did not find sufficient evidence to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said, “We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including the Seattle police, for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney’s office for review.”

Jaahnavi Kandula, 23, was hit and killed by a patrol car driven by police officer Kevin Dave as she was crossing a street in Seattle. The officer claimed to be responding to a drug overdose call and was driving at about 120 kmph when the car struck Jaahnavi, throwing her 100 feet away.

However, on Wednesday, the local prosecutor’s office said they would not move forward with criminal charges against Dave. According to the local media, Attorney Leesa Manion said, “After staffing this case with senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, I have determined that we lack sufficient evidence under Washington State law to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Another policeman, Daniel Auderer, could still be terminated from his job due to the insensitive comments he made after the accident. “Auderer’s comments were also unprofessional and undermined the public’s trust in the Seattle Police Department and law enforcement in general,” said Manion.

The Indian mission in Seattle said it was in “regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family”.

“We await completion of Seattle Police’s administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case,” it said.

Auderer’s bodycam footage showed him laughing about the crash and making insensitive comments about Kandula’s age and worth. He was heard saying, “She is dead. She was 26 anyway and had limited value.”

“As egregious as Auderer’s comments are, they do not change the prosecuting office’s legal analysis into the conduct of Dave. It is the Office of Police Accountability that bears the responsibility of disciplinary investigation and proceedings relating to Auderer’s comment, not the prosecutor’s office,” Manion had said.

Referred for review

The Indian Consulate in Seattle said, “We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including the Seattle police, for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney’s office for review.”

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