Assamese actress Nandinee Kashyap was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that led to the tragic death of 21-year-old engineering student Samiul Haque. The fatal incident occurred on July 25 in the Dakshingaon area of Kahilipara, Guwahati.
Samiul, who was working on a streetlight installation project, was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by Kashyap. The impact caused severe brain injuries and multiple fractures, leading to his death a few days later despite being shifted from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to Apollo Hospital on July 28.
Kashyap was detained on Tuesday evening by Guwahati Police near Mandakata, shortly after returning from a theatre performance, and was formally arrested on Wednesday. Initially, Dispur Police Station had filed a case (No. 630/25) under bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—Sections 115(2), 125(b), and 281. Later, a non-bailable charge under Section 105 was added.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Jayanta Sarathi Borah, police were only informed about the accident the next morning, after which Nandinee was summoned for questioning. He added that the initial FIR did not name her directly.
The incident has sparked widespread public anger, with protests outside Apollo Hospital demanding justice for Samiul. Family members allege that Kashyap fled the scene and failed to check on the victim, only contacting them later via WhatsApp, refusing help and allegedly invoking political connections.
“They only called us once—just to say they wouldn’t help,” a grieving family member claimed. After Samiul’s condition worsened, Kashyap’s father visited the hospital, briefly checked on the victim, and left.
In response to public criticism, Nandinee’s mother issued a statement, expressing sorrow and asserting that the family had tried to help. She claimed that Kashyap’s earlier traffic challans were the result of driver negligence, not the actress herself. “We will reach out to the family again once legal matters settle,” she said.
