Mumbai: Six persons have been arrested after a tragic incident involving the death of two MBA students of suspected drug overdose at a live concert in Mumbai’s NESCO Ground.
Nearly 2,000 people, including students from a reputed MBA college, had gathered at the Goregaon venue for the concert, late on Saturday. Several attendees allegedly consumed alcohol and narcotic substances during the event, it has been alleged.
Three persons – two women and a man – aged between 20 and 28, reportedly began experiencing severe health complications, including breathing difficulties, around midnight. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where a 24-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man were declared dead during treatment, as reported by Republic TV.
Another woman, aged 25, remains in critical condition in the ICU. The two women were initially admitted to a trauma centre, while the man was taken to Lifeline Hospital, where he later succumbed.
Party drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy) were used during the concert, the police suspect, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after forensic and toxicology reports are completed.
The Mumbai Police arrested six people in connection with the case. They include two college students, event organisers and staff members.
Those arrested have been identified as Akash Samal (31), alias Vihaan, the event organiser; Vinod Jain, associated with NESCO Event Organisation and Management; Balkrishna Kurup (also referred to as Balakrishnan Balaram), internal security; Prateek Pandey; Anand Patel; and Raunak Khandelwal.
All the accused have been remanded to three days in police custody. Officials of the Vanrai Police Station, hope to get to the bottom of the matter by interrogating the accused.
Statements of 15 to 20 people, including fellow students of the MBA college, have been recorded. These testimonies are expected to play a crucial role in establishing how the drugs were procured and consumed.
There could have been possible lapses in event security, the police suspect. The supply chain of narcotics and the role of organisers and insiders, is also being proved.
NESCO, the venue operator, issued a statement expressing condolences and assuring full cooperation with the investigation.
“We extend our condolences to those affected. We understand the seriousness of the situation and are extending our full cooperation to the concerned authorities in their ongoing investigation. All relevant information and assistance are being provided to ensure that the facts are established at the earliest,” a spokesperson said.
It would be inappropriate to comment further while the matter remains under investigation, the statement said.
