SHILLONG, July 13: A group of tourists from Uttar Pradesh, who severely damaged an Airbnb in Shillong’s Risa Colony were arrested in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on Sunday but were granted bail on Monday.
Meghalaya Police had registered a case after the property was left in a severely damaged condition. A video shared by the homestay owner showing the wreckage went viral on social media, sparking outrage and demands for action.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said a police team was sent the very next day to trace the five people involved.
The complaint, received on July 11, alleged that two people had threatened and vandalised the guesthouse before leaving without paying compensation.
“A case was registered immediately. We coordinated with our counterparts, including the SPs of Kokrajhar and Alipurduar. Yesterday, the suspects—identified as Vikash Singh, Avinash Singh, Akhand Singh, along with three minors aged around 17 years—were intercepted by the Alipurduar Police. A team of Shillong police went there, arrested them, and produced them before a court in Alipurduar. Since the offences are punishable with less than seven years’ imprisonment, they were granted bail. The investigation is continuing,” the SP said, adding that a case has been registered under Sections 351(3), 324(3) and 3(5) of the BNS.
