Guwahati, July 30: Assamese film actress Nandini Kashyap, known for her lead role in the recent hit “Rudra”, was arrested early Wednesday, five days after a hit-and-run accident and a day after the 21-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries.
The accident occurred around 2:30 AM on July 25 in the Dakkhingaon area, where a speeding SUV—allegedly driven by Kashyap—hit a two-wheeler, critically injuring rider Samiul Haque, a student of Nalbari Polytechnic Institute. Haque was initially admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) before being shifted to Apollo Hospital, where he died on Tuesday.
The actress was coming back from a rehearsal of Raajdhani Mobile Theatre in Nalbari.
Kashyap was finally arrested around 1:30 AM Wednesday at Dadara near the Saraighat Bridge, according to Guwahati DCP (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Borah. She was first detained for questioning before being booked under non-bailable sections following the victim’s death.
Shockingly, police did not initially name the actress in the FIR, nor did they conduct a mandatory alcohol test at the time of the incident. Dispur Police, who handled the initial investigation, failed to inform the city’s Traffic Branch, resulting in no coordination, no MVI inspection on time, and no evidence collection regarding possible intoxication.
DCP Borah admitted, “We were not informed about the accident. If the alcohol test wasn’t done that day, nothing can be done now.” He confirmed that only after the victim’s death was the case transferred to the Traffic Branch.
CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts confirm that Kashyap did not stop after hitting Haque. Instead, she fled the scene, with friends of the victim chasing her vehicle to an apartment in Kahilipara. Borah added that Kashyap’s SUV had multiple challans for overspeeding across various districts.
Forensic teams have begun examining both vehicles involved. A preliminary report is expected within seven days.
The case has triggered widespread outrage, not just over the accident but the systemic failures that followed. The Dispur Police’s delay, the absence of a timely medical test, and the issuance of a vehicle fitness certificate the day after the crash have drawn criticism.
The victim, Samiul Haque, hailed from a poor family of Mukalmuwa in West Nalbari and worked part-time with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, reportedly returning home after repairing streetlights when he was hit.
“She should not have fled the scene. We are taking the matter seriously and will ensure necessary action is taken,” said DCP Borah.
Haque’s family has demanded a transparent investigation, accountability from the police, and answers as to why basic procedures were ignored—particularly the alcohol test that could have proved crucial. The incident has raised serious questions about police credibility and procedural integrity in Guwahati.
