Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23 year old student from Telangana, India, died in Seattle on January 23, 2023 after she was hit by a police cruiser.
A bodycam footage showing a deputy from the Seattle Police Department laughing and joking on a phone call about the girl’s demise has been released, prompting strong reactions.
Jaahnavi was a student of Northeast University. She arrived in the US from Bangalore in 2021 in order to pursue her Master’s Degree in Information System.
She was crossing the road when she was hit by a speeding car driven by Seattle officer Kevin Dave. She was rushed to Harborview Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
Bodycam footage showing Seattle Police Officers’ Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer making fun of the girl’s death in a phone call with the guild’s president, Mike Solan, has been released. In the footage, the officer can be heard saying, “she had limited value.”
Jaahnavi's death is a reminder of the dangers that pedestrians face in Seattle. There have been a number of pedestrian deaths in the city in recent years.
Jaahnavi's death is also a reminder of the need for police reform. Many people believe that the police need to be held accountable for their actions.
Jaahnavi's family and friends are asking for the public's support during this difficult time. They are grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received.