Influencer Sumi Borah Released After 8 Months in Jail Following Gauhati High Court Bail Order

Social media influencer Sumi Borah was released from Dibrugarh Central Jail on May 22, following a significant order from the Gauhati High Court that granted her bail in the final pending case connected to a high-profile, multi-crore trading scam. Her release marks the end of an eight-month period in judicial custody, during which she was held in connection with one of Assam’s most widely reported financial fraud cases. This final case was registered at Barbaruah Police Station and its resolution effectively clears Borah from judicial custody in all cases related to the scam.

The trading scam in question gained massive media and public attention due to its scale and the involvement of public personalities. Sumi Borah, along with her husband Tarkik Borah—also known as Tapan Borah—and their alleged associate Bishal Phukan, were identified as the key accused in a fraudulent scheme that promised investors exorbitant returns. Through social media influence and other deceptive methods, they allegedly lured unsuspecting investors into putting money into bogus trading opportunities.

As the scam unfolded, it sparked widespread outrage across Assam. Multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed in various police stations, leading to a comprehensive and state-wide investigation. The nature of the scam suggested a well-orchestrated plan that used the couple’s social media reach to build trust and manipulate investors. The victims, who ranged from common citizens to businessmen, were promised unrealistic returns which never materialized.

The legal proceedings saw several twists over the months. While Sumi Borah remained in judicial custody, her husband Tarkik Borah and Bishal Phukan were both granted bail by the Gauhati High Court earlier, on May 3, in the final pending case against them. This development created a legal precedent that paved the way for Sumi Borah's release later in the month.

The Gauhati High Court’s decision to grant bail in each of these cases was seen as a major turning point, especially as the prosecution could not establish the necessity of extended judicial custody once the investigation had progressed significantly. Legal experts viewed the bail as an opportunity for the accused to defend themselves without remaining incarcerated for an indefinite period, especially since the case involved extensive documentary evidence rather than requiring ongoing custodial interrogation.

Sumi Borah’s release brings a temporary closure to a chapter that not only involved legal scrutiny but also widespread social media discourse. As a public figure, Borah’s involvement in the case attracted heightened attention, with debates around influencer responsibility and financial ethics taking center stage. Her case also highlights the broader issue of unregulated financial advice and schemes being circulated through social media platforms.

Despite being out on bail, the legal process is far from over. All three accused are expected to face trial as the investigation concludes and the court takes up the matter for prosecution. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, not just by legal circles, but also by the general public who were impacted by or witnessed the repercussions of the scam.

In summary, Sumi Borah’s release after eight months in jail is a key development in a larger, complex financial fraud case that shook Assam. It underscores the intersection of social media influence, financial misconduct, and legal accountability in today’s digital age.