$29M (₹262 Crore) Settlement in Jaahnavi Kandula Case — 3 Key Facts You Need to Know

The city of Seattle has agreed to pay $29 million (about ₹262 crore) in a settlement to the family of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was tragically killed by a speeding U.S. police officer in 2023. The announcement comes three years after the fatal collision sparked outrage both in the United States and in India, and it marks a major legal resolution in a case that raised questions about police conduct, accountability, and justice for immigrant communities.

The settlement ends a civil lawsuit that the Kandula family filed in King County Superior Court in 2024 seeking justice and accountability after the deadly crash and the controversial reaction from law enforcement that followed.

Here are three key facts surrounding this settlement and what it means going forward.

1️⃣ The Tragic Accident That Started It All

Jaahnavi Kandula was a promising graduate student from India pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus.

On January 23, 2023, she was struck and killed while crossing a street in the South Lake Union neighbourhood. The vehicle that hit her was a Seattle police patrol car driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was reportedly driving at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone while responding to a drug overdose call.

Dashcam footage showed Kandula stepping onto the road shortly before the impact, which threw her more than 100 feet through the air. She died at the scene.

That moment instantly mobilised not only local communities but also outraged observers globally once details of the incident and subsequent responses surfaced.

2️⃣ Outrage After Shocking Bodycam Footage

What made the case particularly controversial was not only the collision but the reaction that followed from another Seattle police officer, Daniel Auderer. Body-camera footage later surfaced showing Auderer laughing about Kandula’s death and implying her life had “limited value”, saying the city could “just write a check.”

The video spread widely, sparking anger and protests that went beyond Seattle and reached India’s diplomatic circles. Critics condemned both the discrepancy between how police treated a civilian death and what justice would look like.

As a result of the backlash:

• Officer Auderer was fired after the civilian oversight body determined his remarks damaged the reputation of the police department and weakened public trust.

• The officer who struck Kandula, Officer Kevin Dave, was cited for negligent driving and fined $5,000 but never faced felony charges after prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt.

3️⃣ How the $29M Settlement Came Together

The civil lawsuit filed by Kandula’s family in 2024 sought up to $110 million in damages, arguing negligence and a failure of police accountability.

After lengthy negotiations, the City of Seattle agreed to settle for $29 million — roughly ₹262 crore — in early 2026, bringing legal closure to the dispute.

According to officials, about $20 million of this amount will be covered by the city’s insurance provider, with the remainder paid directly by the city itself.

City Attorney Erika Evans described the settlement as a hope for closure for the family after a “heartbreaking” loss and reiterated that “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered,” not only to her family and friends but to the broader community.

Why This Settlement Matters

📌 Historic in Scale

Settlements of this size in wrongful death cases involving police negligence in the U.S. — especially over immigrant fatalities — are relatively rare, and this one is among the more significant amounts awarded in recent memory.

📌 Police Accountability Under Scrutiny

The civil case highlighted broader concerns about how U.S. law enforcement handles speeding, emergency responses, and the consequences when civilians are fatally injured.

📌 Diplomatic and Community Impact

The case drew international attention. Indian diplomats called for thorough investigations, and community groups in Seattle participated in protests and vigils after the bodycam footage circulated.

What Happened to the Officers Involved?

• Officer Kevin Dave, the driver, was fired from the Seattle Police Department after the fatal incident.

• Dave was cited and fined for negligent driving but wasn’t charged with felony offences by prosecutors.

• Officer Daniel Auderer, seen in the bodycam footage mocking Kandula’s death, was also dismissed. He has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the city for wrongful termination.

Community and Diplomatic Reactions

After the settlement was announced, community leaders and advocates reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable students and ensuring fair treatment under the law. India’s consulate and diplomatic officials had previously stressed the importance of accountability and transparent investigations into the incident.

Local activists described the settlement as a partial acknowledgement of the tragedy, but many emphasised that systemic reforms and improved police training remain critical.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what everyone needs to know about this case:

• 💡 A speeding police vehicle killed 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle in 2023.

• 💸 The city of Seattle agreed to a $29M (₹262 crore) settlement with her family in 2026.

• 📹 Outrage was fueled by bodycam footage showing an officer mocking her death, leading to administrative dismissals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How did Jaahnavi Kandula die?
She was struck and killed by a Seattle police patrol car traveling at high speed while responding to a call.

Q: How much is the settlement?
The settlement totals $29 million (about ₹262 crore) to the family.

Q: Why did the case draw widespread attention?
Aside from the tragic loss, mocking comments by an officer caught on bodycam sparked public outrage.

Q: Will the officer who hit her face charges?
The officer was fired and fined for negligent driving but was not criminally charged.

Final Thoughts

The settlement between Seattle and the family of Jaahnavi Kandula brings legal closure to a heartbreaking story of loss and accountability. While nothing can undo the tragedy, the $29 million agreement signals recognition of the profound impact of the incident on a young life and a grieving family.

As communities on both sides of the world reflect on this outcome, many continue to call for deeper reforms in policing practices and accountability — reminding us that justice can take many forms, but its pursuit remains vital.