News Brief
India Amps Up Diplomatic Efforts After US Cop Faces No Criminal Charges For Killing Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula: Here's All About It
Jaahnavi Kandula (Pic Via NDTV Website)
India has sought a reevaluation of the decision by a US court to dismiss criminal charges against a Seattle police officer responsible for the death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula.
The decision came after the prosecutor stated that pursuing criminal charges against the officer was not possible due to the "insufficient evidence" available.
Jaahnavi Kandula, a Master's student from Andhra Pradesh, was struck by a vehicle driven by Seattle police officer Kevin Dave on 23 January last year.
Officer Dave was speeding to a call about a drug overdose when his car, running at around 120 kmph, hit Kandula.
The 23-year-old was flung 100 feet after the police vehicle hit her.
Bodycam footage revealed a conversation between Officer Dave and his colleague, Daniel Auderer, in which Auderer made light of the tragic incident.
He reassured Dave that he would not face prosecution for Kandula's death, remarking that she was "26 anyway" and "had limited value."
The Indian embassy said that it was working to ensure justice to her family and is now waiting for Seattle police to complete its investigation.
"On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death of Jaahnavi Kandula, Consulate has been in regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family," it said.
"We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including Seattle Police for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney's office for review. We await completion of Seattle Police's administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case," the embassy said in a statement.
On Friday, the King County Prosecutors said that they did not have "sufficient evidence" to charge Officer Dave.
According to a memo issued to the Seattle Police Department, the King County prosecutor’s office noted that Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving 119 kph on a street with a 40 kph speed limit in a police SUV, had his emergency lights on.
Kandula was thrown 100 feet when she was struck by the speeding police patrol vehicle.
"It is the responsibility of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to review all available evidence relating to the case involving Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave and the January 2023 collision death of Jaahnavi Kandula. 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," said prosecutor Leesa Manion.
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