The director of California’s high-speed rail has been arrested on domestic violence charges after getting involved in an argument between his daughter and her fiancé, according to reports from the California Post.
Ian Chowdhury, who serves as the CEO of the Railroad Authority, was taken into custody along with his partner, Lyudmila “Mila” Staroshuk, early on February 4. The incident occurred outside their home in Folsom, near Sacramento.
A neighbor reportedly called the police just before midnight after noticing a heated argument involving Chowdhury, Staroshuk, and their teenage daughter in their front yard.
Sources indicate that the 57-year-old Chowdhury attempted to mediate the situation but ended up being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
Staroshuk, 46, also faced charges related to domestic violence and child abuse.
However, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office chose not to proceed with prosecution, citing insufficient evidence. According to officials, there were no visible injuries on either Chowdhury or Staroshuk.
Interestingly, just hours before the incident, Chowdhury had participated in an event with Governor Gavin Newsom in Kern County, where they announced the completion of a substantial construction facility aimed at reviving the stalled high-speed rail project in the San Joaquin Valley.
Attorney Allen Sawyer, representing both Chowdhury and Staroshuk, stated that a “domestic incident” had occurred, but insisted that no crime took place. “The district attorney immediately determined there was no merit to this case,” Sawyer remarked, adding that it was a “big nothing burger” unlikely to progress further.
Officials from the High-Speed Rail Authority have not responded to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Chowdhury has been a key figure in Governor Newsom’s controversial push for high-speed rail service in California, a project that has faced significant criticism, delays, and funding challenges despite over $15 billion already spent. Additionally, there have been allegations that Newsom has withheld information about costly rail projects. As of now, Chowdhury and Staroshuk remain unavailable for comment.
