A Guwahati-based businessman was detained after videos showing an elaborate birthday celebration on the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and raising concerns over disruption of traffic and misuse of public infrastructure.
The individual was identified as Gautam Baruah, who allegedly organised the event on the bridge to celebrate his wife’s birthday.
According to reports, the celebration featured decorative arrangements, including a red carpet spread across a section of the flyover, effectively converting part of the public roadway into a private venue. The event allegedly caused inconvenience to commuters and disrupted the movement of vehicles.
Videos and photographs of the celebration were widely circulated online, prompting criticism from social media users who questioned the use of a public thoroughfare for a private function.
Following the public outcry, Bharalumukh Police launched an inquiry and subsequently detained Baruah.
Police registered Bharalumukh Police Station Case No. 79/2026 under Sections 125, 270 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities also seized two vehicles allegedly associated with the incident, bearing registration numbers AS 01 GH 0003 and AS 01 GK 0772.
Investigators are examining allegations that vehicular movement on the bridge was halted to facilitate the celebration. Further investigation into the incident is underway, and police are continuing to question the detained businessman.
