Guwahati: Fourteen people, including Gautam Barua and his wife Purabi Barua, have been detained by Guwahati Police for allegedly celebrating a birthday on the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge. Police have also seized four luxury vehicles used during the event.
According to police, the birthday celebration took place around 12:30 am on June 22 to mark Purabi Barua’s 42nd birthday. The bridge was reportedly decorated with balloons, and a cake-cutting ceremony, photography and video shooting were conducted at the spot.
The incident came to light after videos and photographs of the celebration went viral on social media.
Traffic DCP Jayanta Sarathi Bora said police found that four vehicles—a Defender, a Mercedes-Benz, a Scorpio and a Honda City—were used during the event.
He said 14 people participated in the celebration and all have been brought in for questioning. The four vehicles have been seized as part of the investigation.
A case has been registered at Bharalumukh Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
According to the DCP, police became aware of the incident only after the videos surfaced on social media. He added that the participants claimed the celebration lasted only five minutes, but investigators are examining whether the decorations and arrangements could have been completed within such a short period.
Police also said they are investigating whether the event was planned in advance or organised spontaneously.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many people criticizing the use of a public bridge for a private celebration and calling for strict enforcement of traffic and public safety rules. The investigation is continuing.
