Actress Nandini Kashyap Denied Bail, Remanded to 2-Day Police Custody in Hit-and-Run Case

Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap has been remanded to two days of police custody following her arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on July 25 in Guwahati’s Dakhingaon area. The Kamrup (Metro) Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court rejected her bail plea on Wednesday, July 31, leading to her formal remand. The case involves the tragic death of 21-year-old Samiul Haque, a student of Nalbari Polytechnic and a temporary worker at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), who was allegedly hit by a speeding vehicle driven by Kashyap.

Following the court’s order, Panbazar Women Police, who had initially sought five days of custody, took Kashyap into their charge and transferred her to the Panbazar Women Police Station. She is scheduled to be produced before the court again on August 1 for further proceedings.

Kashyap was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, after being detained the previous night in North Guwahati. She was first taken to the Dispur Police Station for initial questioning. Later, she was shifted to the All Women Police Station in Panbazar, where her formal arrest was recorded. During the investigation, police invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, thereby intensifying the legal gravity of the charges against her.

The incident in question took place on July 25, when Samiul Haque was reportedly struck by a high-speed vehicle while working as part of a streetlight repair team. Despite being rushed to Gauhati Medical College and subsequently shifted to Apollo Hospital due to the severity of his injuries, Samiul succumbed the following day. His untimely death sparked a significant public outcry, especially from student organisations, youth groups, and members of civil society, all demanding justice and strict legal action against the perpetrator.

The case has stirred widespread emotion and outrage across Assam, largely because of the victim’s youth and the alleged negligence involved. It has also triggered broader conversations around road safety, the responsibilities of public figures, and the need for swift justice in incidents involving high-profile individuals.

Kashyap’s arrest came after days of sustained interrogation by the police and heightened media coverage. Many groups have expressed frustration at what they perceive as initial delays in arresting the actress, which they claim were due to her celebrity status. However, with the addition of serious legal charges and her subsequent police custody, authorities appear to be taking firmer action.

The upcoming court hearing on August 1 will likely determine whether Kashyap’s custody will be extended or if charges will be formally framed. Meanwhile, police continue to collect evidence, including eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage, and forensic analysis of the vehicle involved in the accident. The case remains under active investigation and continues to draw attention from both the public and the media, as citizens await justice for the late Samiul Haque.