Assamese Actress Nandini Kashyap Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case in Guwahati
Guwahati, July 30, 2025 – Popular Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap, known for her role in the recent box office hit Rudra, was arrested by Guwahati police in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, in connection with a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Samiul Haque, a polytechnic student and part-time Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) worker. The tragic incident, which occurred on July 25 in Guwahati’s Dakhingaon area, has sparked widespread outrage across Assam, with public and student organizations demanding justice.
According to police reports, the accident took place around 3:00 AM when Kashyap, allegedly driving a speeding Mahindra Bolero SUV, struck Haque, who was assisting a GMC team repairing streetlights. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that the vehicle was traveling at over 120 km/h at the time of the collision. Haque sustained severe head trauma, multiple fractures in both legs, and broken bones in his arm and thigh. He was initially rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) before being transferred to Apollo Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, Haque succumbed to his injuries on July 29.
Eyewitnesses claim that Kashyap fled the scene without assisting the victim, later taking refuge in an apartment complex in Kahilipara. GMC workers and Haque’s friends traced the vehicle and confronted the actress, during which she allegedly assaulted a bystander attempting to record the incident. Reports also suggest that Kashyap was under the influence of alcohol at the time, though police have yet to confirm this pending forensic and post-mortem reports.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Borah confirmed the arrest, stating, “The actress was officially arrested around 1:30 AM on Wednesday. We have added Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges for rash and negligent driving, hit-and-run, and destruction of evidence.” The police have seized Kashyap’s vehicle and are reviewing CCTV footage and forensic evidence to establish the sequence of events. Authorities have sought a five-day remand for further investigation.
Haque, a second-year student at Nalbari Polytechnic, was the sole breadwinner for his family, supporting his education through part-time work. His family alleges that Kashyap initially promised to cover medical expenses but failed to follow through, leaving them to bear the financial burden. “Samiul was our hope,” said his mother, visibly distraught. “She promised to help, but we heard nothing from her after that night.”
The incident has ignited public fury, with the All Assam Polytechnic Students’ Union (AAPSU) filing an FIR and organizing protests to demand accountability. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for justice, with many criticizing the initial police response for allowing Kashyap to walk free after questioning on July 28. The actress was detained late Tuesday night near Saraighat Bridge while returning from a theatre rehearsal in North Guwahati and was formally arrested at the All Women Police Station in Panbazar.
In response to the controversy, Rajdhani Theatre, where Kashyap was under a two-year contract, announced the termination of their association with her. “We express our deepest condolences to the family of Samiul Haque and stand by the demand for justice,” the theatre group stated. The Assamese film fraternity has also reacted, with co-star Ravi Sarma expressing grief over Haque’s death on social media.
Kashyap, a fitness advocate and former Ms. India New England 2021, has denied involvement in the incident, but police sources indicate that legal proceedings will proceed based on mounting evidence. The case has raised broader questions about accountability and the perceived leniency toward influential figures, with many in Assam calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.
As the legal process unfolds, Haque’s family and supporters continue to seek justice for a young life cut short, while the incident casts a shadow over Kashyap’s rising career in the Assamese film industry.
Sources: hubnetwork.in, The Star, Northeast Live TV, Devdiscourse, The Tribune, Hindustan Times, LiveMint, Free Press Journal, Pratidin Time, News18