UDTA Mumbai? Sixth accused arrested in NESCO Exhibition Centre drug deaths case

Anand Patel in police custody. Pic/By Special Arrangement

In a key breakthrough in the NESCO concert deaths case, Vanrai police have arrested a sixth accused, a 25-year-old Kalyan resident, as investigators deepen their probe into the suspected drug supply network behind the alleged MDMA overdose that left two MBA students dead and another critical.

Defence version

Advocates Surendra Landge and Azad Gupta argued:
>> No drugs were recovered from Patel
>> He has been implicated due to his association with the co-accused
>> He was unaware of the actual supplier or delivery process

How the incident unfolded

>> Victims allegedly consumed one pill inside a vehicle en route to the concert
>> A second dose was reportedly taken inside the venue
>> Police suspect overdose led to rapid health deterioration
>> Two victims died; one remains critical

Investigation status

>> The case was registered under the relevant provisions of the drug and criminal laws
>> Police seeking extended custody of Patel
>> An officer said, "Patel is being questioned to uncover the supply chain and wider nexus."

What investigators are probing

>> Source of the MDMA pills
>> Role of delivery platforms in drug movement
>> Whether the accused were part of a larger network
>> Prior instances of drug procurement using similar channels

Who is the latest accused

Name: Anad Patel
Residence: Kalyan
Background: Associated with the construction business
Link: Friend of the earlier arrested accused

What police suspect

>> Patel allegedly acted as a drug conduit
>> Ecstasy (MDMA) pills reportedly arranged via a delivery app
>> Drugs were allegedly sourced a day before the concert
>> His name emerged during the interrogation of a co-accused (student)
>> Police say his reference was used multiple times earlier to procure drugs

What Patel told police

>> Denied supplying drugs
>> Said co-accused are his friends
>> Claimed drugs were earlier ordered through an app
>> Stated his reference was used without his knowledge in this instance

Case at a glance

Case: NESCO concert drug deaths
Deaths: 2 (including one woman)
Injured: 1 woman, critical
Latest arrest: Anand Patel, 25, Kalyan
Arrest date: April 13
Custody: Till April 16
Total accused: 6