A photograph of Jaahnavi Kandula is displayed with flowers, Jan. 29, 2023, in Seattle. File
| Photograph Credit score: AP
The town of Seattle has reached a $29 million (roughly ₹262 crore) settlement with the household of a 23-year-old graduate scholar from India who was struck by a dashing police officer as she crossed a road in 2023.
Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving as quick as 119 kph in a 40-kph zone as he responded to a drug overdose name. He had his emergency lights on and had been utilizing his siren at intersections.
“Jaahnavi Kandula’s loss of life was heartbreaking, and town hopes this monetary settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula household,” Metropolis Legal professional Erika Evans stated in an announcement on Wednesday (February 12, 2026).
“Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered. It mattered to her household, her buddies and to our group,” Ms. Evans stated.
Kandula had been working towards a grasp’s diploma in data methods on the Seattle campus of Northeastern College.
Attorneys for Kandula’s household didn’t instantly reply to emails or cellphone calls searching for remark.
The events filed a discover of settlement in King County Superior Courtroom final Friday. The native information web site PubliCola first reported concerning the settlement.
Kandula’s loss of life ignited outrage and demonstrations, significantly after a recording from one other officer’s physique digicam surfaced during which the officer laughed and steered Kandula’s life had “restricted worth” and town ought to “simply write a examine.”
Outrage in U.S. over loss of life of Indian scholar; U.S. assures immediate motion and investigation
Diplomats from India sought an investigation. The town’s civilian watchdog discovered the feedback by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was a union chief, broken the division’s popularity and undermined public belief.
Mr. Auderer was later fired and has sued town for wrongful termination. He stated his remarks have been meant to criticise how attorneys have been probably to reply to the loss of life.
The police division additionally fired the driving officer, who was cited for negligent driving and ordered to pay a USD 5,000 superb. King County prosecutors declined to file felony prices towards him, saying they might not show he was intentionally disregarding security when he struck Kandula.
About $20 million of the settlement is anticipated to be lined by town’s insurance coverage.
Revealed – February 12, 2026 04:08 pm IST