Itanagar, Feb 23: Four members of a Gujarat-based family have been booked after a viral video allegedly showed two of them abusing and threatening staff at a resort in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley district.
An FIR has been registered at Anini Police Station against Aastha Devendra Kumar Patel, Dhruv Devendra Kumar Patel, Smita Devendra Kumar Patel and Devendra Kumar Patel, who had checked into Mishmi Hills Resort on February 18.
According to the complaint filed by the resort management, the guests were informed at check-in that outside food and alcohol were not permitted on the premises, in accordance with the property’s hospitality policy.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 20, when the family allegedly brought alcoholic beverages from outside. When reminded of the resort’s rules, two members of the group allegedly reacted aggressively.
The FIR states that Aastha Patel and Dhruv Patel used obscene and sexually derogatory language against female staff members. Dhruv Patel is also accused of attempting to physically assault an employee during the altercation.
The complaint further alleges that the accused damaged the frame displaying the resort’s rules and threatened to defame the property and have it shut down by using “influential connections.”
Police have registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to assault or use of criminal force against a woman, obscene acts, and criminal intimidation. Sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked.
Managing Director of Mishmi Hills Resort, Chimi Linggi, said she intervened after being informed about the altercation. She added that the district tourism officer was present and efforts were made to resolve the issue amicably.
“We tried to speak politely, but they continued to get enraged. Our young staff, many of whom are from interior areas, were shaken by the incident,” Linggi said, adding that while the resort welcomes tourists, such behaviour could not be overlooked.
Dibang Valley Superintendent of Police Ringu N confirmed that police initiated verification after the video surfaced online.
“We sent officials to verify the matter after the video surfaced. The accused had checked out on the morning of February 21. Investigation is underway,” he said.
