Jaahnavi Kandula Case: In the latest developments pertaining to the case of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula's death, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said on Saturday that the Consulate has been in regular touch with the family and will continue to extend all possible support to ensure justice for her.
In response to the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney, the Consulate has said that the matter has been strongly raised with local authorities, including Seattle Police, and the case has been referred for review.
The 23-year-old student was struck by a police vehicle driven by Officer Dave when she was crossing a street in Seattle on January 23 last year. He was driving at 74 mph (more than 119 kmh) on the way to a report of a drug overdose call. Kandula was thrown 100 feet when she was struck by the speeding police patrol vehicle.
In a post on X, the Consulate said, "On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death of Jaahnavi Kandula, Consulate has been in regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family. We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including Seattle Police for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney’s office for review. We await completion of Seattle Police's administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case."
The King County Prosecutor’s Office said on Wednesday that they will not move forward with criminal charges against Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave, PTI reported, citing FOX13 Seattle. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion stated that she believes they lack the evidence to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt, the report added, as reported by PTI.
"It is the responsibility of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to review all available evidence relating to the case involving Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave and the January 2023 collision death of Jaahnavi Kandula. After staffing this case with senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, I have determined that we lack sufficient evidence under Washington State law to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt," as quoted by PTI.