Our Bureau
Seattle, WA
The Seattle Police Department has terminated Officer Daniel Auderer after he was caught on body camera video making light of an incident where an officer fatally struck 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula last year. Auderer’s comments, suggesting that Kandula’s life had “limited value” and that the city should “just write a cheque,” caused outrage and international attention.
The case highlights the delicate balance between intent and impact in law enforcement decisions exemplifying transparency through body-worn video cameras as essential for building public trust. The tragic loss of a promising college student underscores the gravity of such incidents and the need for accountability.
Jaahnavi Kandula was struck by a speeding police vehicle driven by Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave as she was crossing a street on January 23 last year.
Dave was driving at more than 119 kmph on the way to a report of a drug overdose call. Kandula was thrown 100 feet when she was struck by the speeding police patrol vehicle.
Ms Kandula was from Andhra Pradesh, pursuing a master’s degree from the Northeastern University campus in South Lake Union. As per reports, she went to the US from Bengaluru on a student exchange program in 2021 and was due to graduate in December 2023.
