GUWAHATI: Three tourists from Uttar Pradesh have been arrested in connection with the alleged vandalisation of a homestay in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district. The arrests were made in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on Monday, July 13, following a coordinated interstate police operation.
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The incident took place at Oakwood Homestay in Risa Colony, Shillong. According to police, the homestay owner lodged an FIR on July 11 alleging that the guests threatened staff members, damaged property and left the premises without paying their bill.
Three minors, all around 17 years old and allegedly involved in the incident, were also detained.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said two cases were registered based on the complaint, and an investigation was launched with assistance from the police in Assam's Kokrajhar district, Alipurduar district in West Bengal, and Sapatgram Police.
Following coordinated search operations, the accused were traced and apprehended at around 4.45 PM on Monday in Alipurduar. The arrested adults have been identified as Vikas Singh, Avinash Singh and Akand Pratap Singh.
The three adults were initially detained by the West Bengal Police before being taken into custody by a team from the East Khasi Hills Police. They were later produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Alipurduar.
SP Syiem said the accused were granted bail as the offences invoked carry a maximum punishment of less than seven years.
The three minors were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for further proceedings.
Police have booked the accused under Sections 351(3), 324(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation into the case is underway.