'Just Write A $11000 Check': Outrage Grows Over Seattle Police Officer's Insensitive Comments On Tragic Death Of Indian Student

An investigation has started into Seattle police union leaders after a troubling body camera recording surfaced.

In the video, Officer Daniel Auderer is heard making insensitive comments and laughing about the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian-origin woman killed by a police patrol vehicle in January.

Officer Auderer and his colleague, Officer Kevin Dave, were involved in the incident. Auderer's comments, captured on a call with the police union's president, showed a lack of empathy.

He referred to Kandula as "a regular person" and continues laughing as he suggested, "Yeah, just write a check. Eleven thousand dollars." and even made disrespectful remarks about her age.

The Seattle Community Police Commission expressed deep disappointment in this behavior, emphasizing that the community deserves better from its police force. They expect the police department to build trust and prioritise public safety.

The Seattle police department released the video for transparency but has chosen not to comment until the Police Accountability Office completes its investigation.

The incident occurred when a police SUV, responding to an urgent call, struck Ms. Kandula as she crossed the road.

Initially, Auderer reported that the officer was driving the patrol car at 50 MPH and was not "out of control." However, further investigation by the police revealed that the car was actually traveling at 74 MPH at the moment of impact with Ms. Kandula.

Jaahnavi Kandula was a graduate student at Northeastern University, pursuing a master's degree in information systems, and was set to graduate in December.