Anisha Chakraborty, a 28-year-old from Kolkata's Mukundapur, was killed in a hit-and-run in Birmingham city centre early Saturday morning. She had just completed her master's degree with distinction at Aston University and was excited about a promising job opportunity.
The Incident
Anisha had gone out with former university friends on Friday night. After leaving a pub, she walked back with a friend and then continued alone. Just after 2am local time, she was struck by a black Audi RSQ8 on Dartmouth Middleway, a short distance from her accommodation. She died at the scene.
West Midlands Ambulance Service received multiple 999 calls at 2.17am and dispatched two ambulances, two paramedic officers, and a MERIT trauma team, but Anisha was already dead.
Arrest and Investigation
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs. He has been released on bail with conditions while the investigation continues.
Family's Grief
Anisha's father, Ramkrishna Prasad Chakraborty, principal of KK Das College in Kolkata, described the agonizing wait for his daughter's body. "She was so excited about the job. She was looking forward to a new phase in her life," he said. "My wife hasn't spoken to anyone since getting the news."
Her brother Raktim, who lives in Arkansas, said he lost not just a sister but someone he treated like a daughter. "We had planned a video call during the weekend that never happened," he said. Anisha had chosen to study in the UK despite her brother's offer to join him in the US, as she believed the master's would help her career.
Fundraising for Repatriation
Anisha's Indian-origin boss at Jimmy Spices, where she worked part-time, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for repatriating her body to Kolkata. By late Wednesday, contributions totalled over £16,000 (Rs 20.5 lakh).
Anisha's Journey
Anisha studied at Sakhawat Memorial Govt Girls' School and graduated from Gokhale Memorial Girls' College in Kolkata. She moved to the UK in September 2024 to pursue a master's in international business at Aston University. After graduating, she worked at Jimmy Spices and later switched to a cafe downstairs to focus on job applications in marketing and content writing.
Shefali Karulkar, general manager at Jimmy Spices, recalled Anisha's dedication: "She always had her laptop on in the café. Whenever I spoke to her, she would always tell me she was job-hunting. She was a lovely person, so positive and kind-hearted."
