US police officer who killed Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula with a speeding vehicle is now fired

The American police officer who ran over and killed a 23-year-old Indian student, Jaahnavi Kandula, with his speeding police vehicle in January 2023 has been fired by the acting police chief of the city of Seattle. Sue Rahr on Monday (Jan. 6) in an email told employees that Kevin Dave was fired after it was revealed in findings from the Seattle Office of Police Accountability that he had violated at least four department policies.

“I believe the officer had no intention of hurting anyone that night and was trying to get to a potential overdose victim as quickly as possible,” Rahr wrote. “However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving. “His positive intent does not mitigate the poor decision that resulted in the loss of human life and discredited the Seattle Police Department,” he added.

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The action against Dave comes nearly a year after he was acquitted by King County prosecutors in February 2024, who said there was no evidence he was under the influence or driving recklessly in the fatal collision. However, prosecutors discovered that Dave was traveling at a speed of 120 kmph on a street with a speed limit of only 40 kmph while responding to an overdose call.

Jaahnavi Kandula’s death sparked international outrage

The fatal collision became an international crisis for the Seattle Police Department after body camera footage showed another police officer at the scene laughing cruelly and mocking the death of Jaahnavi Kandula. The officer, identified as Daniel Auderer, had said “Kandula’s life had limited value” and that the city should “just write a check.”

Seattle’s civilian watchdog later found that Auderer’s comments damaged the department’s reputation and undermined public trust. Auderer was also fired by the police department on July 17 of last year.

“This police officer’s actions have embarrassed the Seattle Police Department and our entire profession, making every police officer’s job more difficult,” Sue Rahr said at the time.

(With contributions from agencies)