Seattle Cop Under Investigation for Insensitive Remarks on Indian Student’s Death Taken Off Active Duty

Seattle: Seattle police officer and union leader Daniel Auderer has been reassigned to a non-operational position amid an investigation into his insensitive comments about the death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old woman from India who was struck and killed by a police SUV in January.

Auderer’s body camera recorded him making callous remarks and laughing during a phone call with union President Mike Solan shortly after the crash. The call took place shortly after the fatal incident involving another officer, Kevin Dave, who was driving at an excessive speed of 74 mph in a 25 mph zone while responding to a drug overdose call.

Auderer’s comments have drawn condemnation locally and internationally, prompting meetings between Police Chief Adrian Diaz and representatives of the Indian and Asian communities.

The Seattle Police Department initiated an investigation into Auderer’s conduct on August 2. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is also conducting a criminal review of the crash.

The Seattle Police Officers Guild has defended Auderer, asserting that the recorded conversation was taken out of context.

As the investigation continues, Auderer has been reassigned to a non-operational position.