Assam: Actress Nandini Kashyap Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case Involving 21-Year-Old Student

GUWAHATI-  Popular Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap, known for her lead role in the recent box office hit Rudra, was arrested by Guwahati police in the early hours of Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Samiul Haque, a student at Nalbari Polytechnic.

The tragic accident, which occurred in Guwahati’s Dakhingaon area around 3:00 AM on July 25, has sparked widespread outrage across Assam, with demands for justice from student groups, civil society, and the victim’s family.

According to police reports, Samiul Haque, who also worked part-time with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to support his education, was struck by a speeding Mahindra Scorpio SUV allegedly driven by Kashyap while he was returning home after working on a streetlight installation project.

Also Read- Powerful Earthquake and Tsunami Strike Russia’s Kamchatka

CCTV footage of the incident captured the vehicle running over Haque, who sustained severe head trauma, multiple fractures in his legs, and broken bones in his thigh and arm. He was rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in critical condition and later transferred to Apollo Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 29.

Guwahati Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Borah confirmed that Kashyap was detained on Tuesday night from a rehearsal venue at Rajdhani Theatre in North Guwahati and formally arrested at 1:30 AM on Wednesday.

Also Read- Lok Sabha Witnesses Heated Debate on Operation Sindoor as Gaurav Gogoi Challenges Rajnath

The case has been escalated with charges under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges of rash and negligent driving, hit-and-run, and destruction of evidence. “We have produced her in court and sought five days of police remand. We are awaiting the court’s order,” Borah told  news agency PTI.

The police have seized the vehicle, bearing registration AS 01FM 9199, and forensic experts are analyzing it, with a report expected within seven days. Eyewitnesses allege that Kashyap, who was reportedly driving at over 120 kmph and possibly under the influence of alcohol, fled the scene without assisting the injured student.

Also Read- Assam CM meets PM, Finance Minister

A viral video circulating on social media shows Kashyap in a heated exchange with locals after GMC workers traced her to an apartment in Kahilipara. Haque’s family claims that while Kashyap initially promised to fund his medical treatment, she failed to follow through and did not visit the hospital.

“We want justice. Her status should not protect her from the law,” said a grieving family member. Samiul’s mother, in a tearful statement to reporters, added, “She didn’t even come to see him once. She abandoned us when we needed help the most.”

Also Read- American Airlines Flight Evacuated After Tyre Fire at Denver Airport

The incident has triggered significant public backlash, with the All Assam Polytechnic Students’ Union (AAPSU) filing an FIR at Dispur Police Station and leading protests demanding swift legal action. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for accountability, with many criticizing perceived leniency toward the actress due to her celebrity status. In response to the controversy, Rajdhani Theatre, where Kashyap had a two-year acting contract, announced the immediate termination of her association to protect the institution’s image.

However, police records indicate that the vehicle had been penalized multiple times for speeding across various districts. The case has reignited debates about road safety and accountability for high-profile individuals in Assam.

A post-mortem report on Haque’s body, conducted at GMCH on Wednesday, is expected to provide further clarity on the cause of death. Authorities have assured an impartial investigation, with additional legal provisions potentially to be added based on forensic and witness evidence.

The Assamese film fraternity has also reacted to the tragedy. Actor Ravi Sarma, Kashyap’s co-star in Rudra, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “The tragic loss of Samiul Haque has deeply saddened me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Samiul Haque, whose untimely death has left his economically disadvantaged family and the broader community in mourning.