Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has issued an apology to the Indian community following insensitive comments made by a police officer regarding the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula earlier this year. The comments made by Officer Daniel Auderer in a viral bodycam video drew widespread outrage.
During a meeting with approximately 20 representatives of the Indian community in Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell extended his condolences for the tragic passing of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula. He stated, “Members of the Indian community have come together because of the unfortunate and insensitive remarks I believe were made. We are making sure that our apology as city officials is felt by your community and family. My condolences for your loss.”
Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz also expressed his condolences and reaffirmed the commitment of the police department to establishing a Seattle where “every neighbor feels safe, heard, and respected.” Chief Diaz emphasized that the insensitive comments made by Officer Auderer would not be tolerated, and steps would be taken to ensure such incidents never occur again.
Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student pursuing her master’s degree at Northeastern University in Seattle, tragically lost her life earlier this year in a collision involving a police car. The circumstances of her death and the subsequent comments made by Officer Auderer in the video led to concerns and demands for a thorough investigation and action against those involved.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco also raised concerns over the handling of Jaahnavi Kandula’s case and requested a prompt and impartial investigation by the US government. The video, released several months after the incident, showed Officer Auderer making light of the fatal accident and making insensitive remarks about the victim.
In the video, Officer Auderer can be heard laughing about the accident and suggesting that there was no need for a criminal inquiry into his colleague Kevin Dave, the driver of the police vehicle involved in the collision. His comments caused outrage and led to a probe into the matter.
Jaahnavi Kandula, who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, had been pursuing her studies in the US and was set to graduate in December. Her tragic death and the subsequent controversy surrounding the handling of her case have drawn attention to issues of accountability and sensitivity within law enforcement. The Indian community and concerned individuals have called for justice and a thorough investigation into the incident.
