South Asian group in Seattle meets Mayor, search justice for Jaahnavi Kandula

Demanding justice for Jaahnavi Kandula, members of the South Asian group right here met the Mayor of Seattle and prime metropolis officers and in addition held a rally on the web site the place the Indian pupil was struck and killed by a rushing police patrol automotive.

Kandula, 23, was hit by a police automobile pushed by Officer Kevin Dave when she was crossing a road on January 23. He was driving at 74 mph (greater than 119 kmh) on the way in which to a report of a drug overdose name.

In bodycam footage launched on Monday by the Seattle Police Department, Officer Daniel Auderer laughed concerning the lethal crash and dismissed any implication Dave may be at fault or {that a} prison investigation was vital.

Auderer might be heard making insensitive feedback like she had “limited value” and laughing following the deadly crash.

On Saturday, the leaders and organisations representing the South Asian group in Seattle met Mayor Bruce Harrell, Police Chief Adrian Diaz and different metropolis leaders.

“Effective public safety is built on trust between City government and the communities we serve. When that trust is breached, it is the City’s obligation to do the work necessary to restore and rebuild it,” Mayor Harrell was quoted as saying by Komo TV.

Statements by Mayor Harrell so far, that the offensive remarks characterize an remoted incident, don’t go far sufficient to take care of the system and police tradition, group leaders mentioned.

Harrell additional mentioned that,”We want to express our extreme condolences for your loss. Many comments that have been made do not reflect the sympathy and the empathy and the condolences that we have.”

“I’m standing with our Chief of Police, Adrian Diaz and again with the Indian…the who’s who in the Indian community in the greater region, all coming together because of unfortunate and insensitive remarks that we believe were made. Making sure that our apologies as a city official are felt to your community and your family.”

Diaz additional added that,”…I know that I talked to the brother and some of the other family. But we’re here to continue to listen, because we’re here. We want to stand with you. We want to figure out ways that you also feel in a situation. We want to work to ensure that that we value our human life that we do not dehumanise others.”

More than 100 members of the Seattle space’s South Asian group additionally gathered at Denny Park on Saturday and made their solution to the intersection the place Kandula was hit by the rushing police automobile.

They held indicators saying “Jaahnavi had more value than Seattle Police Department” and “Justice for Jaahnavi, jail killer cops.” The rally was organised by UTSAV, an organisation that helps join South Asians with their communities.

“The South Asian community and I grieve for Jaahnavi and are in shock over the lack of empathy and deeply offensive remarks regarding a young woman’s life and potential,” mentioned State Representative Vandana Slatter.

“Jaahnavi is a part of our community, and her story is reflected in every one of us. It is time for swift and accountable action, not apathy, so that Jaahnavi’s family can have justice and the community can begin the long journey to rebuilding trust,” she mentioned.

“We’re not a monolith, the Indian community,” Slatter mentioned to the group.

“There’s diaspora in the community, but we are all united today,” she mentioned.

On Saturday, rally attendees identified that Kandula’s life did have worth.

Shifali Jamwal, who introduced her 3-year-old son, mentioned Kandula was a grasp’s pupil and moved to America for her training so “her life would have more value.”

“I can only imagine what Jaahnavi’s mom is going through,” Jamwal mentioned.

Another attendee, Kyla Carrillo, 25, referred to as Auderer’s feedback “completely disrespectful.

“Not even unbelievable, not shocking, but just for [him] to value somebody’s life as such was disrespectful,” she mentioned.

Between lanes on the intersection, marchers lit tea lights spelling out “Jaahnavi” and laid bouquets beneath an indication.

Kandula was set to graduate this coming December with a grasp’s diploma in info methods from the Seattle campus of Northeastern University. Her household mentioned she was working towards supporting her mom in India.

Saddened by Kandula’s loss of life, Kenneth W. Henderson, Chancellor of Northeastern University in an announcement issued on the varsity’s official Facebook web page on Friday mentioned that.” Her loss will be felt deeply by students, staff, and faculty. The university plans to award Jaahnavi her degree posthumously and present it to her family.

Arun Sharma, founder of UTSAV, said the organisation plans to escalate action if the Police Department doesn’t take action against Auderer and Dave.

“Let’s not wait for another major incident like this to wake us up,” Sharma said. “Immigrants die by a thousand cuts.”

Before dispersing, protesters chanted “Who had unlimited value? Jaahnavi Kandula. Say her name. Jaahnavi Kandula.”

An Office of Police Accountability investigation related to the controversial comments is ongoing.

India has taken up Kandula’s case with the US government as well as with local officials in Washington state.

“Recent studies together with within the media of the dealing with of Ms Jaahnavi Kandula’s loss of life in a highway accident in Seattle in January are deeply troubling,” the Consulate General of India in San Francisco tweeted on Wednesday.

“We have taken up the matter strongly with native authorities in Seattle & Washington State in addition to senior officers in Washington DC for a radical investigation & motion towards these concerned on this tragic case,” the mission mentioned.

Published On:

Sep 17, 2023