Guwahati, June 23: A Guwahati-based businessman was detained by police on Tuesday after videos of an elaborate birthday celebration organised on the newly inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu went viral on social media, triggering outrage over the alleged misuse of a public roadway.

The businessman has been identified as Gautam Baruah, who allegedly arranged the celebration on the flyover to mark his wife’s birthday.

Videos and photographs circulating online showed a section of the bridge adorned with a red carpet and decorative arrangements, effectively turning the public thoroughfare into a temporary party venue. The footage sparked widespread criticism, with social media users questioning how a public bridge could be used for a private celebration.

According to reports, the event caused inconvenience to commuters and allegedly disrupted traffic movement on the newly opened flyover.

Following the public backlash, police registered Case No. 79/2026 under Sections 125, 285 and 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Two vehicles allegedly linked to the incident — AS01GH0003 and AS01GK0772 — have also been seized.

Police later detained Baruah and launched an interrogation to ascertain the circumstances under which the event was organised and whether any permissions had been obtained.

The incident has reignited concerns over traffic discipline and the misuse of public infrastructure, with many calling for strict action against those responsible to deter similar incidents in the future.