A late-night birthday celebration held on the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge in Assam has sparked controversy and attracted police action after videos of the event went viral on social media.
It was claimed that the celebration was organized by Goutam Boruah a businessman from Guwahati for his wife, Karabi Boruah. The incident was reported to have occurred on the bridge, which is a vital transportation link between different parts of the state, reports indicated. Authorities expressed safety and congestion concerns after videos of the decorations and vehicles parking on the bridge and people celebrating were seen online.
The viral footage led many on social media and members of the community to question the organizers’ right to hold a private event on a major public works project. Parliament had questioned the purpose of the bridge and, said critics, said it should not be used for private functions, which may compromise the safety of commuters.
After the public reaction, the police attended to the case and filed a lawsuit. The police reportedly has initiated investigations into the violation of traffic, safety and public order laws. The officials are also reviewing whether appropriate permissions were received, and whether there were any laws being violated during the event.
The scandal has sparked renewed interest in how public facilities are being used and the importance of keeping regulations on public areas in place and fully enforced. Authorities have stated that the appropriate action will come from them once the investigation is finished and they determine who is at fault.