In a tragic development that has sparked public outrage across Assam, 21-year-old Samiul Haque, a student of Nalbari Polytechnic, succumbed to injuries on Tuesday following a hit-and-run accident in Dakkhingaon, Guwahati, on July 25. Guwahati-based actress Nandini Kashyap was arrested early Wednesday in connection with the case, after sustained criticism of police inaction and mounting demands for justice from the victim’s family, friends, and several civil society groups.
Guwahati Actress Nandini Kashyap Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
Samiul, who hailed from Nalbari, was pursuing a diploma in engineering and was working part-time with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation to support his education. On the morning of July 25, while traveling on his two-wheeler in the Dakkhingaon area, he was allegedly struck by a speeding SUV, reportedly driven by Kashyap. The collision left him with multiple fractures and severe head injuries. Although initially admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), he was later shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment, where he passed away on Tuesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the SUV fled the scene without offering assistance. The vehicle, reportedly moving at high speed, dragged the bike for a few meters before speeding away, leaving the injured youth on the road. Locals rushed him to the hospital. The apparent apathy of the accused, coupled with a perceived delay in police response, has fueled public anger.
Initially, the First Information Report (FIR) filed after the incident did not name any individual. However, friends of the victim, through independent efforts, traced the SUV to an apartment complex in Kahilipara. Upon investigation, they confronted the actress, suspecting her involvement. Social media posts and videos from the confrontation began circulating widely, further intensifying pressure on the authorities.
The Guwahati Police stated that Kashyap had been under scrutiny from the day after the incident. However, she was officially detained only on Tuesday night, nearly a week later, from North Guwahati, where she was attending a late-night rehearsal at the theatre company she was under contract with. She was formally arrested at around 1:30 AM on Wednesday.
Kashyap was produced in a city court on Wednesday afternoon, where the police sought five days of custody for further interrogation. The court, however, granted two days of police remand. The Guwahati police revealed that although bailable sections were initially registered in the case, a non-bailable section — Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — was added after Samiul’s death.
Reacting to the arrest and the intensifying public backlash, the theatre company with which Kashyap was associated reportedly terminated her two-year contract. In a public statement, the organization stated it had “zero tolerance for actions that bring disrepute or contradict ethical standards.”
Family members of the deceased, still reeling from the loss, have accused the authorities of delaying justice. “My son was struggling and working part-time to pay for his education. He had dreams. We want justice — not excuses,” said Samiul’s mother, visibly distraught outside the hospital.
Student unions and youth organizations, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), staged protests on Wednesday in front of the Dispur police station, demanding stricter action and calling for speedy investigation. Placards reading “Justice for Samiul” and “No one is above the law” were seen during the demonstrations.
Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon, saying, “We understand the public sentiment. An inquiry was initiated immediately, and developments were made based on the evidence. The accused has now been arrested and is under police custody. We are committed to ensuring a fair and just investigation.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties in the state have criticized what they describe as “celebrity privilege,” alleging that the delay in arrest was influenced by the accused’s public profile. Leader of the Opposition, Debabrata Saikia, in a statement, said, “The common citizen would not have received this level of leniency. The delay in arrest and soft approach until now raises serious concerns.”
This case has also triggered conversations on road safety, reckless driving, and the accountability of public figures. Several netizens have pointed out that this is not an isolated incident and that Guwahati has seen a rising number of hit-and-run cases, many of which remain unresolved.
As investigations continue, the police have assured that all digital evidence, including CCTV footage from the area, witness statements, and the vehicle’s forensic examination, are being compiled to build a watertight case. They have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests if others are found to be involved in obstructing justice or tampering with evidence.
The final rites of Samiul were conducted in his native village in Nalbari on Wednesday, amidst emotional scenes and calls for justice echoing across the community.
As the case unfolds, the people of Assam watch closely — seeking not only justice for Samiul but also reassurance that the law treats all citizens equally, regardless of status or influence.
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