Jaahnavi Kandula's death: India urges review of US court decision on not framing charges against Seattle cop

New Delhi, February 24: India has formally requested a reassessment of the recent US court ruling that dismissed criminal charges against a Seattle cop involved in the tragic death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. The prosecutor cited a "lack of sufficient evidence" as the reason for not pursuing criminal charges against Kevin Dave, who fatally struck Jaahnavi with his speeding vehicle while responding to a drug overdose call on January 23  last year. The impact flung the young student 100 feet, resulting in her death.

Disturbingly, bodycam footage revealed Officer Dave's colleague, Daniel Auderer, callously laughing about the incident and assuring him that he wouldn't face prosecution, dismissing Jaahnavi's life as having "limited value" since she was "26 anyway." The Indian embassy is actively working to ensure justice for Jaahnavi's family and is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation by the Seattle police.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney, Leesa Manion, expressed concern over Officer Auderer's "appalling and deeply troubling" comments but emphasised that they do not alter the legal analysis of Officer Dave's conduct. Prosecutors maintained their stance of lacking "sufficient evidence" to prove Officer Dave's "conscious disregard for others' safety."

The Indian embassy has engaged with the designated family representatives and raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including the Seattle Police, seeking appropriate redress. The case is now under review by the Seattle City Attorney's office, pending the completion of the police's administrative investigation.

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