Indian-American Lawmaker Urges Seattle Police To Probe Cop's Mockery Of Student's Death With 'Seriousness'

Indian American Democrat lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi has asked the Seattle Police to conduct its probe into the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula with the seriousness it demands.

Jaahnavi Kandula Death: The fatal accident of an Indian woman, Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle, the US has taken the internet and authorities by storm after a body cam video of a police officer showed him laughing over the incident. Now, Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has urged the Seattle Police to pursue its probe into the tragic death of Kandula with the seriousness it demands, reported PTI. 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula was killed by a police car travelling at 74 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone. She was a student at Washington's Northeastern University and was struck at a pedestrian crossing on the night of January 23, 2023.

"Jaahnavi Kandula’s death was a horrible tragedy, and the scale of her loss should not be diminished or mocked by anyone," Krishnamoorthi said in response to the recording of a Seattle police officer mocking the death of Kandula. 

"The recording of a Seattle Police officer making light of her death and questioning the value of her life is disgusting and unacceptable. I urge the Seattle Police Department to pursue its investigation into this matter with the seriousness it demands," Krishnamoorthi, the Democratic Party leader said.

 

'She Had Limited Value', Says Policeman In Viral Video

In the video that has gone viral drawing sharp criticism, Daniel Auderer, who is captured on body camera while discussing the fatal collision, can be heard saying, "Yeah, just write a check. USD 11,000. She was 26 anyway, she had limited value."

Meanwhile, according to PTI, the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) called upon all relevant authorities to prioritise investigation, community engagement, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals, the victims and the community in suffering and grief. The body also praised India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu for strongly raising the issue at the highest level in Washington.

The Consulate General of India (CGI) in San Francisco strongly reacted to the reports of a US cop joking about the death of an Indian student. In a clip released on Monday, Seattle Police Officers' Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer was heard discussing a probe into an accident of a 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was killed by a police vehicle in January this year. The CGI called the incident as deeply troubling, adding that it has taken up the matter “strongly” with local authorities in Seattle and Washington. 

"Recent reports including in media of the handling of Ms Jaahnavi Kandula’s death in a road accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling," said the CGI in a post on X.

Another Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal also condemned the incident.

"Jaahnavi Kandula was killed by a speeding police car. Then, police officers joked about her death and devalued her life. I’m sick to my stomach. This is exactly what happens when we normalise xenophobia and racism. It needs to stop," she said.