Veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi and his wife, Rupali Baruah, were injured late on Friday evening after being struck by a speeding motorcycle while crossing a road in Guwahati. The accident took place near the Guwahati Address hotel at Zoo Tiniali, a busy junction under the jurisdiction of the Geetanagar police station, officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to police sources, the incident occurred when the couple had stepped out after dinner and were attempting to cross the road near Zoo Road, an area known for heavy vehicular movement, especially during evening hours. A motorcycle travelling at high speed from the Chandmari side reportedly hit the couple, throwing all three involved to the ground and causing injuries.

Police said the motorcyclist also sustained serious injuries in the collision. Personnel from the Geetanagar police station rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the accident. Emergency response teams shifted the injured biker to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment. Ashish Vidyarthi and Rupali Baruah were also provided immediate medical attention, officials said.

While the accident caused concern among fans and residents alike, police later clarified that the injuries sustained by the actor were minor. Rupali Baruah, however, was kept under medical observation as a precautionary measure. Hospital sources said her condition was stable and there was no immediate cause for alarm.

Ashish Vidyarthi himself addressed the incident in a video message shared on Saturday, seeking to reassure well-wishers and fans. In the message, the actor confirmed that the accident occurred while he and his wife were crossing the road and said both of them were safe.

“Rupali and I were crossing the street when a bike hit us,” Vidyarthi said in the video. “We are both fine. Rupali is under observation and everything is okay. I am absolutely fine with just a minor injury.” He also added that the motorcyclist involved in the accident had regained consciousness, indicating an improvement in his condition.

The actor’s statement helped allay fears, particularly after initial reports suggested that the collision was severe. Police officials also said that none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, though medical teams were continuing to monitor the situation.

The accident occurred at Zoo Tiniali, one of Guwahati’s prominent intersections that often witnesses congestion and fast-moving traffic. Residents of the area have long raised concerns about road safety, especially for pedestrians, citing inadequate crossing facilities and vehicles overspeeding, particularly during late evening hours.

Officials said the motorcyclist was travelling at a high speed when the collision occurred, though it remains unclear whether factors such as poor visibility, lack of pedestrian signals, or traffic violations contributed to the accident. The police have begun examining the circumstances leading to the incident, including the speed of the motorcycle and whether traffic rules were being followed at the time.

A senior police officer said statements would be recorded from the injured motorcyclist once his condition stabilises. CCTV footage from nearby establishments and traffic cameras is also being reviewed to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine responsibility.

“The circumstances leading to the accident are being examined,” a police official said, adding that further action would depend on the findings of the investigation. Authorities have not yet clarified whether any charges will be filed.

Ashish Vidyarthi, a National Award-winning actor, is widely known for his work across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali cinema. With a career spanning decades, he has portrayed a wide range of characters, particularly earning acclaim for his negative roles in films such as Drohkaal, Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin, and Vaastav. In recent years, Vidyarthi has also gained popularity on digital platforms and social media, where he often shares motivational content and travel experiences.

Rupali Baruah, an entrepreneur and fashion professional based in Assam, married Vidyarthi in 2023. The couple has often spoken about their shared love for travel and food, and Vidyarthi frequently posts about their experiences together.

News of the accident quickly spread on social media, prompting an outpouring of concern and messages wishing the couple a speedy recovery. Many fans expressed relief after Vidyarthi’s video message confirmed that both he and his wife were safe.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over pedestrian safety in Guwahati, particularly in high-traffic zones like Zoo Road and Chandmari. Road safety experts have repeatedly pointed out the need for better pedestrian crossings, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and increased public awareness to reduce such accidents.

In recent years, Guwahati has witnessed a rise in road accidents, with overspeeding and traffic congestion cited as major contributing factors. Authorities have launched several initiatives, including traffic awareness drives and installation of surveillance cameras, but accidents involving pedestrians continue to be reported.

As Ashish Vidyarthi and Rupali Baruah recover from their injuries, police officials have reiterated the importance of caution for both motorists and pedestrians. They have urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and traffic rules, especially in busy urban areas, and advised pedestrians to use designated crossings wherever possible.

For now, the focus remains on the medical recovery of all those involved and on the outcome of the police investigation, which is expected to shed more light on how the accident occurred and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.