Who Was Jaahnavi Kandula? Indian Student Killed By US Cop, Family Gets Rs 265 Cr In Settlement

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 17:06 IST

Her death sparked international outrage, after body-camera footage showed another officer laughing and saying her life had “limited value” and the city should “just write a check.”

Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student, was killed in 2023 after being struck by a speeding police vehicle while crossing a road in the United States. After three years of her death, the city of Seattle has now reached a $29 million settlement (over Rs 260 crore) with her family.

Kandula, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was struck by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at speeds of up to 74 mph (119 kph) in a 25-mph (40-kph) zone while responding to a drug overdose call on January 23, 2023.

His emergency lights were on and the siren was activated at intersections.

‘Her Life Mattered’

In a statement on Wednesday, City Attorney Erika Evans said, “Jaahnavi Kandula’s death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family."

“Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community."

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The settlement notice was filed in King County Superior Court last week, with about $20 million expected to be paid through the city’s insurance. Lawyers representing Kandula’s family did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

‘Limited Value’

Kandula’s death triggered international outrage, particularly in India and among the Indian community in the United States, after body-camera footage surfaced showing another officer laughing and remarking that her life had “limited value" and that the city should “just write a check."

The city’s civilian watchdog found the comments by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was a union leader, damaged the department’s reputation and undermined public trust.

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Auderer was later fired and has sued the city for wrongful termination. He said his remarks were intended to criticise how attorneys were likely to respond to the death.

Under the terms of the settlement, around $20 million will be covered by the city’s insurance, while the remaining amount will be paid directly by the city. The agreement brings an end to years of legal proceedings and stands as one of the largest settlements in Seattle’s history involving alleged police negligence.

Jahnavi’s family has received support from community members and diplomats throughout the prolonged legal process, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of the tragedy. Her life and unrealised potential continue to be remembered by those who knew her and by people around the world who followed the case.

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