Assam hit-and-run: Nandini Kashyap arrested, mother says police told her to avoid hospital for 'safety'

In a tragic development that has sparked widespread outrage in Assam, popular Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap was arrested by Panbazar Women Police in the early hours of Wednesday (1:30 am) in connection with the July 25 hit-and-run case that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Samiul Haque. Samiul, a second-year student at Nalbari Polytechnic and a temporary employee at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), was struck by a speeding vehicle in Guwahati’s Dakhingaon area. The vehicle was allegedly being driven by Kashyap.

The arrest came after several days of police interrogation and growing public pressure, especially from student bodies and civil society groups demanding justice for Samiul. According to police sources, Kashyap was first detained in North Guwahati late Tuesday night. She was taken to Dispur Police Station for initial questioning and then transferred to the All Women Police Station in Panbazar, where she was formally arrested. Authorities have now invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the case, indicating its seriousness.

The fatal incident took place on the night of July 25. After being hit, Samiul was initially taken to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), and later shifted to Apollo Hospitals due to the severity of his injuries. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries the following evening. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle involved did not stop after the collision, adding to the public anger and fueling calls for accountability.

The incident triggered massive protests across the state. The All Assam Polytechnic Students’ Union (AAPSU) took the lead in demanding immediate legal action by filing an FIR and organizing demonstrations. As the investigation progressed, the police reviewed CCTV footage, gathered eyewitness accounts, and examined forensic evidence in an effort to piece together the events leading to Samiul’s death. Officials have indicated that more legal charges could be added based on the final forensic and post-mortem reports.

In response to the growing controversy, Nandini Kashyap’s family released a public statement expressing deep regret over the incident. Her mother claimed that they had tried to help Samiul right from the beginning. According to her, Nandini’s father even went to the hospital with money to assist the victim, but was allegedly threatened and prevented from doing so by a group of young people. The family also claimed they were advised by police not to go public with their involvement for their own safety.

Addressing media reports that cited prior traffic violations under Nandini’s name, her mother clarified that the alleged offences were committed by their driver and not by Nandini herself. Despite the family’s defense, public sympathy remains firmly with Samiul Haque’s family, who continue to seek justice for their son.

Samiul’s body was sent to GMCH on Wednesday morning for a post-mortem examination. The report is expected to be crucial in determining the precise cause of death, which could further impact the legal proceedings. Online and offline support continues to grow for the Haque family, with many demanding that justice be served swiftly and fairly.