US Cop Caught Joking Over Death Of Andhra Student, India Seeks Probe

India has called upon the United States to initiate a comprehensive investigation into bodycam footage capturing a Seattle police officer making inappropriate comments about the tragic death of an Indian student who was struck by a speeding police vehicle.

Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student, lost her life in January when she was struck by a police car driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was reportedly traveling at nearly 120 kmph while responding to an overdose call, as reported by the Seattle Times. Kandula was pursuing her master's degree at Northeastern University's Seattle campus.

In a video released by the Seattle Police Department on Monday, another police officer can be heard making callous remarks and laughing while discussing the incident.

Recent reports including in media of the handling of Ms Jaahnavi Kandula’s death in a road accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling. We have taken up the matter strongly with local authorities in Seattle & Washington State as well as senior officials in Washington DC

— India in SF (@CGISFO) September 13, 2023

In the video, Daniel Auderer, the Vice President of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild, can be heard saying, "She is dead," followed by laughter, and he refers to Ms. Kandula as "a regular person." Amidst fits of laughter, he adds, "Yeah, just write a check. Eleven thousand dollars."

Recent reports including in media of the handling of Ms Jaahnavi Kandula’s death in a road accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling. We have taken up the matter strongly with local authorities in Seattle & Washington State as well as senior officials in Washington DC

— India in SF (@CGISFO) September 13, 2023

The clip concludes with his statement, "She was 26 anyway; she had limited value," incorrectly stating her age.

The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has expressed deep concern about the handling of Kandula's tragic accident and has called for action against those involved in the case. In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the consulate stated, "We have strongly raised this matter with local authorities in Seattle & Washington State, as well as senior officials in Washington DC, for a thorough investigation & action in this tragic case. The Consulate & Embassy will continue to closely follow up on this matter with all concerned authorities."

More abt the incident

We all should take strict action against this criminal and injustice to Indian citizens in other country pic.twitter.com/rSVfIbL8bE

— Ansh (@Pvt_insaann) September 13, 2023

Jaahnavi Kandula, who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, had been pursuing her master's degree at Northeastern University in Seattle, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser initiated to support her family.

"The family has nothing to say, except I wonder if these men's daughters or granddaughters have value. A life is a life," remarked her uncle, Ashok Kandula, as quoted on the fundraising page.