Guwahati: A local court has granted bail to businessman Gautam Baruah, his wife Karabi and 12 others, who were arrested for a viral birthday celebration on the Kumar Bhaskar Verma Bridge on Monday midnight, police said.Rupjyoti Malakar, traffic officer-in charge of Bharalumukh Police Station, said the accused were released as the alleged offences were bailable. “All the accused were released and granted bail on Tuesday night. However, their vehicles remain in our custody,” he said.Those granted bail include Jinmoy Choudhury, Manash Pratim Baruah, Bikash Kalita, Jugbrat Das, Bolenram Basumatary, Himangshu Sarma, Jyotishman Saikia, Sanjan Boro, Gopal Das, Namita Das, Heema Bhuyan and Kishore Bhuyan.A group travelling from North Guwahati parked vehicles on the stretch of the bridge connecting the city’s north and south banks to celebrate the birthday of Karabi on Monday night. Police arrested them on charges of obstructing a public thoroughfare, causing public nuisance, and endangering the safety of others.A day after the incident, Assam Police arrested another couple for organising a similar private event on the bridge. The incident allegedly took place on May 30 and arrests were made after videos of the event went viral on social media.The arrested persons have been identified as Surajit Mandal and Bijaya Mandal, residents of Fatasil Ambari. Their vehicle, which bears the Kamrup (Metropolitan) registration, has been seized. “A case has been registered, and they have been taken for medical examination as per protocol,” the traffic IC said.According to reports, the couple went to the bridge to celebrate Bijaya’s birthday.Residents criticised this new trend of using public infrastructure for personal purposes, saying it disrupts public access and reflects poor civic responsibility. “People may want unique venues for celebrations, but public infrastructure cannot become a party spot. If someone decides to stop traffic for a birthday today, others may do the same tomorrow. The authorities must ensure strict action so that roads and bridges are not misused,” said Dheeman Dutta, a resident of the city.
