Seattle city has agreed to pay $29 million (approximately ₹262 crore) to the family of 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh native Jahnavi Kandula, who was tragically killed in a road accident in January 2023. The settlement was confirmed by city attorney Erica Evans, marking a key resolution in the high-profile case.
Jahnavi had traveled to the U.S. in 2021 to pursue a master’s degree at Northeastern University, South Lake Union. She was struck by a patrolling vehicle driven by police officer Kevin Dave while crossing the road in a zone with a 40 km/h speed limit. Investigations revealed that Officer Dave was driving at 119 km/h while responding to a drug overdose call.
The case drew international attention after body camera footage showed a second officer, Daniel Auder, making insensitive comments about Jahnavi’s death, mocking her life and suggesting the city could “just write a check.” Auder was subsequently removed from service, while Kevin Dave was dismissed and fined $5,000.
Of the total $29 million settlement, approximately $20 million will be covered through city insurance. The incident sparked outrage in India as well, with Indian diplomats demanding a thorough investigation into the accident and the conduct of the officers involved.