Guwahati: A pall of grief has descended upon Guwahati as 23-year-old Samiul Haque, a bright final-year engineering student, tragically succumbed to his injuries today at Apollo Hospitals. Haque was critically injured in an alleged hit-and-run incident on July 25, reportedly involving popular Assamese actress Nandini Kashyap, sending shockwaves through the community and raising serious questions about accountability.
The young man, a promising talent, had only hours before the fatal accident joined the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) as a temporary employee, his future seemingly full of possibilities. His sudden demise has left his family and friends reeling. Initially admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Samiul’s condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating his transfer to Apollo, where he battled for life on support for several days before ultimately losing the fight.
Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, while confirming Samiul’s association with the GMC, stated that the possibility of compensation would be explored should his employment status be confirmed as permanent. Meanwhile, the focus of public scrutiny has intensified on actress Nandini Kashyap, who was reportedly at the wheel of the vehicle involved. She underwent nearly eight hours of interrogation at Dispur Police Station on Monday.
Despite maintaining her innocence and denying claims of fleeing the scene, Kashyap’s demeanour during questioning has drawn sharp criticism. Her reportedly indifferent tone and evasive answers have fueled public outrage. She claimed she was unaware of the gravity of the situation at the time of the incident and only later learned of Samiul’s critical condition. Kashyap did visit GMCH to meet the victim’s grieving family, reportedly offering financial assistance for his treatment.
Police have confirmed the seizure of the car involved, bearing registration AS 01FM 9199, and stated that an investigation is actively underway. However, the family of the deceased has voiced strong concerns, alleging a perceived lack of urgency in the probe, which they attribute to the celebrity status of the accused. “We just want justice. Her status should not protect her from the law,” a distraught family member tearfully expressed. As public pressure mounts and social media buzzes with demands for swift and transparent action, all eyes are now on the Assam Police to demonstrate impartiality and ensure that justice is served in this high-profile case.