New Delhi, June 25, 2026: What was meant to be a grand, romantic gesture turned into a legal nightmare and a national talking point this week. Guwahati-based businessman Gautam Baruah found himself at the center of a massive social media storm after videos of an extravagant midnight birthday celebration for his wife went viral. The venue for this lavish display? Not a high-end luxury resort or a private banquet hall, but the newly inaugurated, ₹3,030-crore Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu—a major public bridge connecting Guwahati to North Guwahati over the Brahmaputra River.
The incident, which took place during the intervening night of June 21 and June 22, 2026, has ignited a fierce debate across India regarding civic sense, entitlement, and the blatant misuse of public infrastructure by affluent citizens.
From Red Carpets to Handcuffs: The Viral Incident
The controversy unfolded when video footage began circulating heavily across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The clip showed a section of the strategically vital flyover transformed into an exclusive party venue.
To mark his wife Karabi’s 42nd birthday, Baruah and a group of friends pulled off all the stops. The viral footage revealed an elaborate setup that completely blocked a lane of the busy thoroughfare:
- A plush red carpet rolled out directly onto the asphalt.
- An extensive balloon arch framing the celebration zone.
- Vibrant pyro lights and fireworks illuminating the midnight sky.
- A multi-tier birthday cake resting on a temporary table as the group posed for photographs.
Adding to the spectacle was a fleet of high-end vehicles parked haphazardly along the bridge lane, including a luxury Land Rover Defender, a Mercedes-Benz sedan, a Mahindra Scorpio, and a Honda City.
The party atmosphere did not last long online. Instead of admiration, the video triggered an avalanche of public backlash. Commuters and local residents expressed deep outrage over how a vital public transit route—inaugurated just months earlier in February by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—could be occupied for a private event.
Assam Police Swing Into Action
As public outrage reached a fever pitch, the Assam Police intervened. The Traffic Department, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Bora, intercepted the viral video online on Monday evening and launched an immediate investigation.
By tracing the registration plate of the luxury Land Rover Defender prominently featured in the video, authorities quickly identified Gautam Baruah as the primary organizer. When summoned by the police, Baruah reportedly defended the event, claiming that the entire gathering lasted “only five minutes” and did not cause prolonged disruption.
However, law enforcement was entirely unconvinced by the excuse. Speaking to reporters, DCP Jayanta Sarathi Bora emphasized the gravity of the violation.
Legal Repercussions and Charges Filed
The Bharalumukh Police Station officially registered Case No. 79/2026 against the group. In total, 14 individuals—including Gautam Baruah, his wife Karabi, and 12 of their guests—were rounded up and arrested by authorities.
The group was booked under the stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), facing several charges related to public safety and traffic violations:
In tandem with the arrests, the police seized all four luxury vehicles used during the midnight party. While a local court granted bail to all 14 accused on Tuesday night because the specific offenses are legally bailable, the police have firmly maintained custody of the impounded luxury cars as part of the ongoing judicial process.
A Disturbing New Trend In Guwahati?
The controversy took a deeper turn when the police revealed that the businessman’s party wasn’t an isolated event. Just 24 hours after Baruah’s arrest, the Assam Police arrested another couple—identified as Surajit Mandal and Bijaya Mandal—for staging an identical private birthday bash on the exact same bridge.
The Mandals had reportedly carried out their celebration on May 30, but the video only surfaced in the wake of the Baruah controversy. This has raised alarm bells among local authorities and urban planners, who fear that “clout-chasing” on public infrastructure is turning into a dangerous viral trend.
Local residents have voiced heavy frustration over the trend. Dheeman Dutta, a resident of Guwahati, expressed the community’s collective concern.
The Broader Impact: Social Media Reacts
The incident has opened a broader conversation across India regarding the behavior of the affluent class and the culture of creating public nuisances for digital engagement. Online commentators pointed out that while high-profile incidents like this get quick police attention due to luxury cars and viral videos, everyday obstructions—such as massive traffic jams caused by weddings spilling onto public roads—often go unchecked.
The overarching sentiment among citizens remains clear: personal joy should never come at the expense of public convenience and safety. Moving forward, the Assam Police have promised heightened midnight patrolling and zero tolerance for anyone attempting to turn the city’s lifelines into private backdrops.