Indian student's death in US, officer will not face criminal charges

Seattle: Authorities in King County announced that Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave will not face any criminal charges in the tragic death of Indian student, Jaahnavi Kandula, due to the lack of “sufficient evidence”.

Kandula, 23, was fatally struck by Officer Dave's speeding patrol vehicle as she crossed a street in Seattle on January 23. Officer Dave was driving over a speed of 119 kmh, on the way to a report of a drug overdose call.

Despite the King County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledging the heartbreaking impact of Kandula’s death, they cited lack of sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against Officer Dave.

“Kandula’s death is heartbreaking and impacted communities in King County and across the world”, says a statement released by the King County Prosecuting Attorney.

The decision comes after bodycam footage revealed Officer Daniel Auderer's callous reaction to the fatal crash, prompting condemnation from both the public and law enforcement officials. Auderer, who was not involved in the collision, made insensitive remarks about Kandula's death, leading to his removal from patrol duties and potential disciplinary action.

While the Office of Police Accountability investigates Auderer's conduct, attention remains on the circumstances surrounding Kandula's death. Investigations revealed that Officer Dave was responding to a priority call from the Seattle Fire Department regarding a drug overdose. Although Dave did not continuously activate his siren, his emergency lights were on as he approached the intersection where the collision occurred.

Despite findings that speed was a contributing factor to the collision, prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove Officer Dave's conscious disregard for safety. A drug recognition expert found no impairment in the officer at the scene.

Jaahnavi Kandula, a graduate student at Northeastern University, was posthumously awarded her degree by the university following her tragic death. As investigations continue and disciplinary proceedings against Officer Auderer unfold, the community awaits further actions to address the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Source: PTI