Bodycam footage of a police officer joking about the death of a 23-year-old Indian student who was struck by a speeding police patrol car earlier this year in Seattle has sparked outrage and demands for a thorough investigation and action against those involved. Jaahnavi Kandula was killed in January after being hit by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at 74 mph (more than 119 kmph) on the way to a report of an overdose. In the footage, Officer Daniel Auderer can be seen laughing about the deadly crash and dismissing the need for a criminal investigation. The comments made by Auderer have been widely criticized for their insensitivity and lack of empathy. The incident has prompted India to raise the matter strongly with US authorities, calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate action to be taken against those responsible.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed deep concern over the handling of Kandula's death and has vowed to closely follow up on the matter with all concerned authorities. The Seattle Police Department has confirmed that an investigation has been initiated by the Office of Police Accountability to examine the context in which the statements were made and whether any policies were violated. The Seattle Community Police Commission has called the audio "heartbreaking and shockingly insensitive" and has emphasized the need for transparent accountability within the police department. The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, who was pursuing her master's degree at Northeastern University in Seattle, has remained silent on the matter. However, her uncle has questioned the value placed on human life and expressed concern for the daughters and granddaughters of those involved in the incident. The incident has raised important questions about police misconduct and the need for justice and accountability in such cases.