Itanagar, February 24 An FIR was filed against four members of a tourist family from Gujarat for allegedly abusing and threatening staff at a resort in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Aastha Patel, Dhruv Patel, Smita Patel, and Devendra Kumar Patel, were booked under sections of the Arunachal Pradesh Criminal Procedure Code (BNS) pertaining to assault or the use of criminal force against a woman, obscene acts, and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The case was registered at the Anini police station after a video, which went viral on social media, showed two individuals abusing and threatening the resort staff, who had checked in on February 18.
According to the police complaint filed by the resort management, the guests were informed upon arrival that outside food and alcohol were not permitted on the premises, in line with standard hospitality policy.
However, on February 20, the family allegedly brought alcoholic beverages from outside and reacted aggressively when they were reminded of the rules.
The FIR alleges that Aastha and Dhruv Patel used obscene and sexually derogatory language against the female staff, while Dhruv also attempted to physically assault one employee. The accused also allegedly damaged the resort's rule display frame and threatened to defame the property and have it shut down using "influential connections".
The resort's managing director, Rezina Mihu, said she intervened after being informed about the incident, adding that the district tourism officer was present and efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably.
"We tried to speak politely, but they continued to get enraged. Our young staff, many from interior areas, were shaken by the incident," she said, stressing that the resort welcomes all tourists but could not ignore such behavior.
A senior police officer said they came to know about the incident only after the video went viral on social media.
"We sent policemen to verify the matter. The accused had checked out in the morning of February 21," the officer said.
Attempts have been made to contact the accused, but they have not responded, he said.
Meanwhile, the Anini-based Biodiversity and Tourism Management Society has strongly condemned the incident.
It expressed dismay over the intimidation of local staff, calling it contrary to responsible tourism principles of respect and dignity.
The society extended solidarity to the victims and urged authorities to conduct a fair, swift investigation and action.
"Tourism must bridge cultures and drive sustainable development without compromising community safety and well-being," BTMS stated, emphasizing Anini's hospitality tradition rooted in mutual respect.
It appealed to all stakeholders to uphold civility for Dibang Valley to remain a safe destination for all.