A disquieting remark made by a Seattle police officer about the tragic death of a young Indian graduate student who was struck by a racing patrol car has sparked outrage throughout the city and beyond.
Diplomats from India requested an investigation into the incident that sparked protests in Seattle.
Seattle Traffic Tragedy Spurs Outcry for Police Accountability
The incident occurred on January 23 when Officer Kevin Dave’s police vehicle, traveling at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone on the way to an overdose report, collided with Jaahnavi Kandula, 23 years old, at a crosswalk, resulting in her death.
Officer Daniel Auderer, vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, responded to the collision to determine whether Dave was impaired.
In a recording released by the police department, Auderer makes a disquieting remark about Kandula’s life, suggesting that it had ‘limited value’ and that the city should write a check for $11,000.
The cruel comments have generated outrage and demands for accountability.
At the Seattle intersection where Kandula was fatally struck, protesters congregated to demand justice for her.
Signs carried by demonstrators read ‘Jail killer cops’ and ‘Convict Kevin Dave.’
The incident has galvanized the community, with many expressing outrage and astonishment at the insensitivity demonstrated in the video.
Along with other oversight agencies, the Community Police Commission is currently determining what charges could be filed in this case and whether any policies were violated.
Patricia Hunter, co-chair of the Community Police Commission, emphasized the importance of addressing the issues with the culture of the Seattle Police Department.
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International Outcry and US Concerns Over Tragic Seattle Incident
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has raised the issue with Seattle and Washington, D.C. authorities, requesting a comprehensive investigation and repercussions for those responsible.
Newspapers carefully followed the matter in India.
The US State Department has also voiced its concern for the situation and extended condolences to Kandula’s family and loved ones.
The Seattle Police Officers Guild issued a statement expressing sorrow for the family’s loss and recognizing the damage caused by Auderer’s remarks.
Auderer explained in a statement supplied to the Office of Police Accountability that his remarks were meant to resemble how the city’s counsel might attempt to limit liability in such cases.
He insisted that his comments were not malicious but acknowledged that they could be interpreted as ‘horrifying and crude.’
Jaahnavi Kandula, a native of Andhra Pradesh, India, moved to Seattle to further her education and support her family in India.
In December, she was scheduled to graduate from the Seattle campus of Northeastern University with a master’s degree in information systems.
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