Guwahati witnessed a deeply disturbing turn of events this week after a tragic hit-and-run left a 21-year-old student dead and prompted sharp public outcry. Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap, known for her work in local films such as Rudra, was arrested following the fatal incident.
Tragic Night in Dakhingaon: What Happened?
The early hours of July 25 were anything but quiet in Guwahati’s Dakhingaon locality. Around 3 a.m., CCTV cameras captured the moment 21-year-old Samiul Haque was struck by a Bolero SUV. The vehicle did not stop. The footage, now widely circulated, reveals a harrowing few seconds — Haque, walking home, is hit and left unattended. Witnesses say the driver made no attempt to slow down or check on him.
Haque, a student of Nalbari Polytechnic, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. He had suffered severe head injuries, fractures in both legs, and broken bones in his arms and thighs. Unfortunately, he succumbed shortly afterward. His death has already stirred widespread debate on road safety, accountability, and public figures behind the wheel.
Timeline of Events
- 3:00 AM, July 25: Samiul Haque is hit by a Bolero SUV in Dakhingaon.
- 3:30 AM: Eyewitnesses rush Haque to a nearby hospital.
- Later That Morning: Victim’s friends trace the SUV to an apartment in Kahilipara.
- July 31, 1:30 AM: Nandini Kashyap is arrested and taken to Panbazar Women Police Station.
- Same Day: Police confirm that they’ve added Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to the case.
Official Statements
Guwahati Police acted swiftly once the video footage emerged. “The actress was officially arrested around 1:30 AM on Wednesday. We have added Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the case,” said a police officer in an interview with the local news platform Gplus. The same officer confirmed that Kashyap’s vehicle had been seized a day prior, and she had initially denied any role in the incident. Further forensic investigation is reportedly underway to establish full clarity.
Eyewitnesses and the Victim’s Family Speak Out
According to multiple sources, friends of Samiul Haque were able to follow the SUV’s trail to an apartment complex. There, they allegedly confronted Kashyap directly before police arrived.
Meanwhile, family members of Haque shared their frustration. “She said she would take care of his treatment, but we never saw her again,” one of Haque’s relatives said through tears. There’s growing sentiment from the victim’s family that they were misled or even ignored during critical hours following the accident.
“She promised help but vanished. My brother might have been saved if she had stopped, or called for help,” a close friend of Haque told reporters.
Public Reactions and Community Anger
The incident has sparked intense reactions across Assam, particularly among students and filmgoers familiar with Kashyap’s work. The juxtaposition of fame and responsibility has prompted long social media debates, which echo similar cases involving public personalities in recent years.
- Some are calling for stricter punishment for hit-and-run offenders.
- Others are demanding an apology and full compensation for the victim’s family.
- Several advocacy groups have announced a candlelight vigil in Haque’s memory.
The Student Union of Nalbari Polytechnic released a statement condemning the incident and calling for justice. Protests and marches are also being planned in Guwahati and surrounding areas.
What’s Next for Nandini Kashyap?
At the time of writing, Nandini Kashyap remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward. She has not issued any personal statement. Legal experts believe that Section 105 of the BNS, dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, could carry a prison term and/or financial penalties depending on the court’s findings. Social pressure is also mounting. While Kashyap has long enjoyed a loyal following, this case shifts the narrative dramatically.
There is still much that remains unclear. Was she under the influence? Why did she flee the scene? Could swift medical attention have saved Haque’s life? These are questions that, inevitably, will fuel further inquiry.
Road Safety and Accountability in Assam
Past incidents involving reckless driving in Assam have led to temporary crackdowns, but concerns around road safety continue. With increasing urban traffic and inadequate enforcement, experts fear more such tragedies could follow. The Kashyap case might well act as a turning point — not just because of who was behind the wheel, but because of who lost their life too soon.
For young voices in the region, including students like Samiul, roads should be safe on their walk home. The reality seems different. Whether or not this case sparks meaningful change, well, that remains to be seen. But the conversations have started, and they’re growing louder.
Final Thoughts
This story is still unfolding. New information could tilt public opinion either way. For now, one thing is heartbreakingly clear — a young life, barely getting started, came to a sudden, violent end. And someone, perhaps, may have had a chance to prevent it.
As the city watches and waits, the hope — cautious as it may be — is for justice that doesn’t arrive too late.
