19 April,2026 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
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The Vanrai Police have arrested a tenth accused, Pradeep Gupta (30), a bouncer deployed at the NESCO music concert, for allegedly facilitating unauthorized entry into the event linked to a drug overdose incident that left two students dead and one critically ill.
According to police sources, Gupta, a resident of Sion Koliwada, was part of the security team assigned to manage safety at the concert. Investigators have uncovered crucial communication and financial links between Gupta and key accused Ayush Sahitya, with call records showing they were in contact five to seven times prior to the event, indicating possible pre-planning.
Police said that Vineet Gerelani, Ayush Agarwal, and their associates allegedly gained illegal entry into the "999999999" music event by paying Gupta. He is accused of allowing them access through the backside, routing them from Gate No. 9 to Gate No. 5 leading into the concert hall. "Gupta facilitated their entry through the rear access after taking money," an officer from Vanrai Police Station said. Gupta was produced before a court and has been remanded to police custody till April 24.
"The responsibility for security at the event had been assigned to SafeCure's management company, with over 100 security guards and bouncers deployed. Police officials said they will now question other security personnel on duty to determine whether any additional staff were involved in facilitating unauthorized entry or linked to the case," said an officer.
The case came to light after a two MBA student from south Mumbai based institute died due to drugs overdose in an event at NESCO on Saturday (11 April ) afemale student who survived the overdose was admitted in the hospital she gave her statement to police, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old student who allegedly supplied drugs at the event.
Subsequently, police arrested event organisers and staff, including Vihan alias Akash Banmari Samal (31), owner of Inspiring Tie Company, Sunny Jain (31), an organiser at the NESCO Centre, and Balkrishan Krup (46), a NESCO staff member.
During interrogation, police learned that a 21-year-old associate (student) had ordered the drugs, leading to his arrest. The accused were produced before court and remanded to police custody.
Further investigation revealed that the duo arrested student allegedly procured drugs from Anand Patel (common friend), who arranged the supply via a porter. Patel was arrested on Tuesday from Ulhasnagar-Kalyan, and his questioning led to the arrest of Vineet Gerelani, on Thursday from Ulhasnagar Kalyan whose residence police allegedly recovered 5 "Mercedes"-branded drug tablets.
Gerelani's interrogation led to Shubh Agarwal and Ayush Sahitya. Agarwal was arrested from Kalyan on Friday, while Sahitya was nabbed from Poladpur on Saturday. During Sahitya's questioning, Gupta's alleged role in facilitating backdoor entry surfaced and Gupta was arrested today and he remanded police custody till 24 April.
Police believe the case points to a multi-layered nexus involving students, drug suppliers, event organisers, and possible security lapses. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the drugs, financial transactions, and any broader network linked to the incident.
