Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle has vehemently addressed the disconcerting development surrounding the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student, who lost her life in a collision with a Seattle police car on January 5, 2023. The officer responsible, Kevin Dave, has been exonerated, sparking outrage and a lack of closure for the grieving family.
In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate expressed unwavering support for Jaahnavi’s family, emphasizing their commitment to securing justice. They have been in regular contact with the designated family representatives, and the Consulate’s involvement extends to robustly raising the matter with local authorities, including the Seattle Police, to seek appropriate redress.
The King County Prosecution Attorney’s decision not to pursue criminal charges against Officer Kevin Dave has further intensified the distress. Leesa Manion, the prosecuting attorney, cited insufficient evidence to substantiate a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt. This development has prompted the Consulate to advocate for justice and closely monitor the case’s progress.
Jaahnavi, pursuing a Master’s in Information Systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, had her promising life cut short. The Consulate’s engagement in ensuring a fair investigation and potential accountability for Officer Dave has become paramount.
The Consulate’s proactive measures include strong advocacy with local authorities and continuous support for the family representatives. The case is now under review by the Seattle City Attorney’s office after being referred by the King County Prosecutor’s Office. The Consulate awaits the completion of the Seattle Police’s administrative investigation and maintains a vigilant stance on the case’s progression.
This unfortunate incident underscores the imperative need for a thorough and unbiased examination of such cases, ensuring justice prevails. The Consulate General of India in Seattle remains steadfast in its commitment to securing justice for Jaahnavi Kandula and her grieving family.
