India has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of an Indian-origin student, Jaahnavi Kandula, after reports of a purported video which surfaced showing a police officer joking and bursting into laughter over the incident.
Ms Kandula was hit and killed by a police vehicle in Seattle, United States in January this year. The 23-year-old graduate student was reportedly hit by a police patrol car allegedly driven by police officer Kevin Dave.
According to reports, Dave was allegedly driving the car at 74 mph (119 kmph) and the accident caused the student’s body to be thrown more than 100 feet (30 meters) away.
US cop mocks the incident in circulated footage
A massive outrage broke out after the Seattle Police Department released footage from accused officer Daniel Auderer’s body camera on Monday.
In the video clip, Mr Auderer, who serves as vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, can be heard talking about the accident in a call with the guild’s president Mike Solan.
He can then be heard saying ‘she is dead’ before bursting into laughter.
Referring to Ms Kandula, Mr Auderer said, ‘No, it’s a regular person.’ Towards the end of the clip, he can be heard saying, through bursts of laughter, ‘Yeah, just write a check. Eleven thousand dollars. She was 26 anyway,’ further adding, ‘She had limited value,’ the New York Post reported as quoted by ANI.
India issues strong reaction to the incident
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco on Wednesday said that the ‘recent reports including in media of the handling Jaahnavi Kandula’s death 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 .. for a thorough investigation & action against those involved in this tragic case. The Consulate & Embassy will continue to closely follow up on this matter with all concerned authorities,’ the Indian Consulate wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ms Kandula hailed from Andhra Pradesh and was pursuing a master’s degree from the Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union.
She went to the US from Bengaluru on a student exchange programme in 2021 and was due to graduate this December.
Ms Kandula’s family is deeply distressed by the revelations. Her grandfather told NDTV that the family had not recovered from the loss and the policeman’s behaviour makes it worse.
‘How can anyone speak like that after a tragic accident?’ he asked.
Mr Auderer said his comments were taken out of context. A radio host said he has a written statement from the police officer saying his comments were meant to mimic how city attorneys might try to minimize liability for the woman’s death.
US authorities have assured a fair probe into the matter.
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
