Shillong: Meghalaya Police arrested six tourists, including three minors from Uttar Pradesh, on Monday in Alipurduar, West Bengal, for allegedly vandalising a privately owned Airbnb homestay in Shillong.Police said the group vandalised rooms at the Oakwood homestay in Risa Colony and left without paying.A video showing the damaged rooms and bathroom of the recently opened property went viral on social media, triggering public outrage.The owner filed an FIR on July 11, alleging vandalism, rule violations, threats and assault on a caretaker. Police said the tourists smoked, consumed alcohol and brought in outside visitors, violating house rules.East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem identified the three adults as Vikas Singh, Avinash Singh and Akand Pratap Singh. The three minors are about 17 years old.The group was detained by West Bengal Police and taken into custody by a team from East Khasi Hills district police. They were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Alipurduar, where the three adults were granted bail as the offences carry a maximum punishment of less than seven years. The minors were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.They were booked under Sections 351(3), 324(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the investigation is ongoing and a charge sheet will be filed soon.
