The Jaahnavi Kandula settlement has drawn global attention after authorities in Seattle agreed to pay $29 million (approximately Rs 260–262 crore) to the family of a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was killed in a high-speed collision involving a police officer. The agreement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kandula’s family and marks one of the most closely watched cases involving police conduct and accountability in recent years.
City attorney Erika Evans described Kandula’s death as “heartbreaking,” expressing hope that the settlement would offer some sense of closure to her loved ones. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered — to her family, her friends and to our community,” she said in an official statement. Nearly $20 million of the settlement is expected to be covered by the city’s insurance.
Jaahnavi Kandula: The Incident That Sparked Outrage
Jaahnavi Kandula, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was struck and killed on January 23, 2023, while crossing a city street. Officer Kevin Dave, responding to an emergency overdose call, was driving at speeds reaching 74 mph (119 km/h) in a 25 mph zone, with emergency lights activated and intermittent siren use.
Dashcam and investigative reports indicated that the impact was devastating. Kandula was thrown more than 100 feet by the force of the collision and died at the scene. The tragedy immediately raised questions about emergency response protocols, officer speed limits, and pedestrian safety.
Legal Battle and Settlement Details
The Jaahnavi Kandula settlement concludes a $110 million lawsuit filed in 2024 against the City of Seattle and Officer Kevin Dave. Although prosecutors later declined to file felony charges — citing insufficient evidence to prove criminal wrongdoing beyond a reasonable doubt — Dave was cited for second-degree negligent driving, fined $5,000, and ultimately dismissed from the police force.
City officials emphasised that the settlement is not only a financial resolution but also a recognition of the profound loss experienced by Kandula’s family and the broader community. Legal observers note that the size of the settlement reflects both the severity of the incident and the intense public scrutiny that followed.
Jaahnavi Kandula: Bodycam Controversy Intensifies Public Reaction
Public outrage surrounding the Jaahnavi Kandula settlement was amplified when body camera footage from another officer, Daniel Auderer, surfaced months after the crash. In the recording, Auderer was heard laughing and making remarks about the incident that many considered insensitive and dehumanising.
The comments triggered widespread condemnation within the United States and internationally, including from India. Seattle’s interim police chief at the time, Sue Rahr, described the harm caused by the remarks as “irreparable,” saying they had brought shame to the department. Auderer was subsequently dismissed from his position.