NESCO on Thursday issued an official statement in response to the ongoing investigation into the alleged drug overdose deaths at a concert held at its Goregaon venue, expressing condolences to the victims’ families while firmly denying any negligence. “Our heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and we sincerely hope for the recovery of the individual currently undergoing treatment,” a spokesperson for NESCO said. The company emphasised that the safety and well-being of visitors remain its top priority and stated that it is fully cooperating with investigating authorities. “We are extending our full cooperation to the investigating authorities and are providing all necessary assistance to support a comprehensive and timely inquiry,” the spokesperson added. Compliance with regulations, strict anti-drug policy highlighted NESCO maintained that it has consistently adhered to all applicable laws and regulatory requirements governing events hosted at its venue. “We have, at all times, complied with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and prescribed protocols governing events hosted at our venue. Adequate arrangements, including necessary safety and security measures, were put in place for the event in line with such requirements,” the statement said. Reiterating its stance against illegal activities, the company said it follows a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. “NESCO maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, use or distribution of illegal substances within its premises. All attendees are subject to clearly defined entry conditions, event terms, and on-ground protocols, which expressly prohibit such conduct and place responsibility for compliance on individuals,” the spokesperson stated. Company denies negligence, backs staff The company categorically denied any lapse on its part or that of its employees in connection with the incident. “We wish to state unequivocally that there has been no lapse or negligence on the part of NESCO or its employees in relation to this incident. Our employees, Mr Sunny Vinod Jain and Mr Balakrishnan Balaram, have discharged their responsibilities in accordance with established procedures and without any wrongdoing,” the statement read. NESCO expressed confidence that the ongoing probe would corroborate its position. “As the matter is currently under investigation, we will refrain from further comments at this stage. We remain committed to cooperating with the authorities and ensuring that all events hosted at our venue meet the highest standards of safety and compliance,” it added. Drug overdose deaths: Police suspect large-scale supply racket at concert In a parallel development, Mumbai Police have arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly supplying drugs at the same concert where two MBA students died due to suspected overdose. According to police, the accused, identified as Vinit Gerelani, is a student of a prominent south Mumbai college. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to seven. A Borivali court has remanded him in police custody till April 18.
16 April,2026 11:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Vanrai Police have arrested one more accused in connection with the deaths of two persons due to a suspected drug overdose at a live concert in Mumbai, taking the total number of arrests in the case to seven, news agency IANS reported, quoting officers. Police said the seventh accused is allegedly linked to a larger syndicate involved in the supply of narcotics. He was taken into custody late at night and will be produced before a court. Authorities are continuing the search for the main accused, believed to be the key figure behind the distribution of drugs at large-scale events such as concerts and parties. Investigators said fresh details are emerging as the probe progresses into the deaths of two students who allegedly consumed drugs during a music concert held at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon. The investigation has revealed that drug consumption was not limited to before the event, but continued during the live concert as well. Police found that narcotics were transported from Kalyan to Mumbai through couriers, including porters, who then facilitated distribution among students. According to officials, a consignment of MDMA, commonly known as yellow pills, ecstasy or Molly, was supplied a day before the event on April 10. Mumbai NESCO concert tragedy: Students bought four MDMA pills for Rs 6,400 Police have also identified two arrested accused, Anand Patel and Pratik Pandey, as key figures in what they described as a major drug supply network operating in Mumbai. Both know each other and have allegedly been involved in such activities for several years. Investigators said Patel supplied MDMA before the concert, while Pandey handled its distribution among students. Police have also named another accused, Vinod Jain, who was reportedly aware that attendees were carrying drugs into the venue but allegedly allowed entry regardless. The students who died had reportedly purchased four MDMA pills for Rs 6,400, officers said. The investigation further found that drugs were delivered to Pandey at his hostel in the Charni Road area, from where he later distributed them among his circle. According to police, Pandey, a first-year MBA student, had easy access to fellow students, which enabled him to distribute narcotics without raising suspicion. He had reportedly been staying in a hostel in Mumbai, though both he and Patel are originally from Kalyan. Officers said Patel had earlier supplied drugs to the same group on previous occasions as well. Some of the students had allegedly attended events in areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex in October 2025, where drug consumption was also reported. Police further stated that Pandey gave four MDMA pills to the two deceased persons in exchange for Rs 6,400 and distributed the remaining pills to other members of the group. In her statement to police, a female student who is undergoing treatment said she had consumed a yellow MDMA pill during the concert. She recalled that after taking the substance, everyone was dancing, but she had no memory of the events that followed. Multiple police teams are continuing to investigate the case, with efforts underway to trace the wider network involved in the supply and distribution of drugs linked to the incident. (With IANS inputs)
16 April,2026 10:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a sophisticated heist that proves even the state’s high-security headquarters is not immune to cybercrime, a 55-year-old section officer at Mantralaya was swindled of Rs 1.11 lakh. The scam unfolded not in a dark alley, but through a series of persistent phone calls and a malicious WhatsApp link sent to her while she was at her desk. The Rs 73 bait The ordeal began on March 27 for Madhura Manoj Tatkare, who works in the Housing Department at Mantralaya. While attending to her official duties, she received a call from a man identifying himself as “Shashikant Verma” from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL). The caller claimed that her gas connection was on the verge of being disconnected due to an unpaid bill. When Tatkare checked a file sent to her via WhatsApp titled “MGL GAS BILL Update.apk”, she noticed the amount mentioned was just Rs 73. Despite her protests that her connection was new and that she had not yet received any bill, the caller insisted that the digital update was mandatory to avoid disconnection. The digital siphon The trap turned out to be a classic malware scam. Under pressure from the caller, Tatkare followed instructions to navigate her phone settings and entered her consumer ID and debit card details into the fake application. The app appeared to be “loading,” masking the backend theft occurring in real time while she was still on the call. She realised something was wrong only after reaching her residence in Lalbaug. Upon checking her ICICI Bank account, she discovered that the supposed “MGL bill” had resulted in a massive financial loss. Within just seven minutes - between 4:53 pm and 5:00 pm - three transactions of Rs 82,906, Rs 25,004, and Rs 3,500 were carried out, wiping her account almost entirely and leaving a balance of just Rs 224. The Gujarat trail The Marine Drive Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and personation, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Speaking to Mid-Day about the progress of the investigation, Investigating Officer Arpanna Vhatkar from Marine Drive Police Station said, “This is a case of cyber fraud. So far, we have not obtained any concrete leads. Our team will also be sent to Gujarat to trace the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.” Police have booked the unidentified holders of mobile numbers 8837046645 and 9029298275 and are currently tracking the digital trail of the stolen funds.
16 April,2026 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghMumbai Police arrested a 37-year-old man, a gym trainer turned 'godman' after locals in Malad complaint of performing occult rituals, officials said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Ridham Panchal, was taken into custody by Dindoshi Police following complaints against him. From gym trainer to 'divine healer' According to the police, Panchal had reportedly been working as a gym trainer before claiming that he possessed divine powers. He allegedly told people that he could solve personal and family problems, remove evil spirits and control negative events through “divine energy”. The police said that Panchal claimed to be possessed by “Bhairav Dev” and conducted late-night rituals and exorcisms. He allegedly asked followers to bring unusual items such as goat liver, black cloth, sesame seeds, cremation ashes, lemons, liquor and cigarettes. Some of these items were reportedly consumed, while others were disposed of in public places. Fear and intimidation among locals Police said the accused created fear in the locality by warning residents of serious consequences if they did not follow his instructions. During a public ritual event earlier this month, he allegedly claimed divine possession and performed exorcisms. When questioned, he is said to have threatened locals with harm. Residents file complaint Interestingly, none of the people who visited Panchal for help filed complaints. Instead, more than 60 locals came together to oppose his activities. They accused him of promoting superstition, disturbing public peace and spreading fear. A written complaint was submitted, prompting police action. Officials said they have received photographs and video footage of the rituals as part of the investigation. The complaint also stated that Panchal had been making such claims for nearly two years. The arrest Following the complaint, Dindoshi Police arrested Panchal and produced him before a local court that remanded him to police custody until April 19. Further investigation was ongoing, said an official.
16 April,2026 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday approached the police and demanded that the techno music duo 999999999, also known as 9x9, must also be probed in connection with the suspected Mumbai drug overdose case that led to the death of two MBA students during a concert at NESCO earlier this month. The party has also urged authorities not to allow the artists to leave the country until the investigation is completed. An MNS delegation led by Milind Ghag met the Additional Commissioner of Police (North Region) to press their demands. The party’s student wing, led by Amit Thackeray, stated that it believes the performers should be questioned to determine whether they had any role in the incident. MNS leaders expressed concern that the members of the duo might leave India before the investigation is complete. They said the artists should be allowed to leave only if they are found to have no connection with the case after questioning. Suggestions for future events The delegation also suggested stricter measures for future events. These include mandatory CCTV coverage at concert venues and deployment of police personnel in plain clothes to monitor activities and prevent illegal acts. The case The duo had performed in Mumbai as part of their ‘Acid Storm’ tour, attracting a large crowd. However, the event turned controversial after two youths allegedly died due to a drug overdose during the concert held on April 11. The case is being investigated by Vanrai Police Station. Officials suspect that drugs were transported from Kalyan to Mumbai through courier services and distributed a day before the event. The officials believe the substances were consumed both before and during the concert. Arrests So far, seven people, including an event organiser, have been arrested in connection with the case. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the network involved.
16 April,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarPolice have seized more than 130 filled and empty LPG cylinders stored illegally at a godown inside a mall in Maharashtra's Thane city, officials said on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. The cylinders were seized on Wednesday. Based on a tip-off, the police raided the premises and seized a total of 138 gas cylinders, of which 85 which were empty. The collective value of the cylinders of different gas companies is around Rs 4.48 lakh, senior inspector Sunil Warude of the Chitalsar police station said, reported PTI. A case was registered under various sections of the Essential Commodities Act and the Liquified Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order against the accused, identified as Attaullah Khan, he said, reported PTI. Thane woman loses Rs 54,000 in helicopter ride scam In another incident, a 34-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Thane was allegedly cheated of Rs 54,000 while trying to book a helicopter service for Kedarnath and Badrinath, police said on Thursday, reported PTI. The woman told the police that she was recently searching for Kedarnath tour services when she received an Instagram message offering rides to the famous shrines. Upon contacting the number mentioned in the message, the complainant was approached by a person who asked her to pay 50 per cent of the total amount as an advance, reported PTI. The woman then transferred Rs 54,000 to a Bank of Baroda account under the name "Himalaya Tour" based in Dehradun, police said. However, after receiving the money, the person neither confirmed the booking nor refunded the amount, reported PTI. A case has been registered based on the woman's complaint, and a probe is underway, the official said. Forest officials arrested in Thane over Rs 25,000 bribe Meanwhile, two forest department officials have been arrested in Maharashtra's Thane district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 to issue an NOC for a petrol pump, the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) said on Thursday, reported PTI. The accused have been identified as forester Vilas Shivaji Sanap and forest guard Rekha Gaikwad, both stationed at the forest department office in Kunda, Mamnoli, under Kalyan taluka, it said, reported PTI. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (ACB) Anil Jaykar, the complainant had received a sanction to open a new petrol pump and required a mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) from the forest department, reported PTI. When he applied for the certificate, Sanap allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 to process the request. Following negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 25,000. After being alerted, the ACB laid a trap at the forest office on Wednesday and caught Gaikwad while accepting the bribe amount on behalf of the forester. Sanap and Gaikwad have been arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and a probe is underway, the official said. (With inputs from PTI)
16 April,2026 06:24 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentIn a twist straight out of a crime thriller, a wanted fraud accused in a multi-crore loan scam was caught not through a planned manhunt, but after a drunken brawl at a Delhi hotel exposed his identity. A quick online search by the police, which threw up a mid-day report identifying him as a fugitive, ultimately led to the arrest of Amol Thakre, who had been on the run after allegedly duping victims across Maharashtra. How he was caught >> Thakre, who had fled to Nepal after duping victims,recently returned to India>> Checked into a hotel in Paharganj on April 12>> Got into an argument with hotel staff under the influence of alcohol or drugs>> Police called to the scene>> Attempted to flee, caught with the help of the staff>> Gave a false name to mislead the police The accused Amol Thakre At a glance Accused: Amol ThakreCase: Multi-crore fake loan scamArrest location: Paharganj, New DelhiTrigger: Hotel brawl and identity checkStatus: In police custody till April 18 Breakthrough moment >> Police checked his ID and grew suspicious>> An officer searched his name online>> A mid-day report identified him as a wanted accused>> Delhi Police alerted Charkop Police The accused in police custody in Delhi. Pics/By Special Arrangement Transfer and custody >> PSI Abhimanyu Dhande confirmed identity>> Under the direction of DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone 11) and senior inspector Vinayak Chauhan>> The team travelled to Delhi and took custody of Thakre, who was brought to Mumbai and produced in court>> Remanded to police custody till April 18>> PSI Abhimanyu Dhande said, “The mid-day report played a crucial role in alerting the Delhi Police, leading to Thakre’s arrest. The number of victims could rise.” The scam model Charkop police had earlier uncovered a racket in which hundreds across the state were allegedly duped on the pretext of securing loans under NABARD schemes. An agent, Shrikant Gavde, has been arrested. He allegedly sourced clients on a commission basis. Big money, zero loans Police said:>> Victims applied for loans ranging fromRs 25 lakh to Rs 5 crore and paid to 30 per cent commission in advance>> No loans were ever sanctioned>> To sustain the racket, Thakre occasionally refunded money to select victims, creating trust and attracting more targets. Network and accomplices Operated through agents across Maharashtra, offering 10 per cent commissionGavde, 37, was one such agent More suspects identified:Vikas Singh (chartered accountant)Abhay Singh (land verification handler)Avinash (full identity unknown)Funds collected from victims were allegedly routed to Vikas Singh, who remains untraced The pitch Thakre allegedly lured victims with:>> Loans for small-scale businesses>> End-to-end business setup support>> “No EMI for three years”>> Loans without proper documentation>> No repayment if the business failed>> In return, he demanded 20-30 per cent commission upfront How the operation worked During interrogation, Thakre revealed a calculated and evolving fraud model.>> A former bank manager, he initially cheated students by promising college admissions>> Later shifted to a larger fake loan racket>> Studied genuine loan procedures and documentation to appear credible>> Created sample loan files to convince victims>> Began targeting victims from Vidarbha, his native region Investigation status Victim statements recorded 12Estimated fraud Rs 70 LakhDocuments seized 80 filesProbe ongoing; figures expected to rise
16 April,2026 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA 45-year-old man has been arrested from Uttar Pradesh after he allegedly stole gold ornaments worth Rs 4.50 lakh from a woman passenger on a local train in Thane, a GRP official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. Police scanned CCTV footage across several railway stations and the Panvel ST bus stand. "The breakthrough came when a man wearing a cap, later identified as Furkan Sukhe Ansari, was spotted in CCTV footage at Badkhal," the official stated, reported PTI. The complainant subsequently identified Ansari as the person who had sat next to her in the local train compartment. Following a tip-off that the suspect frequented a market in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, to buy cattle feed, a police team was dispatched to the state, reported PTI. With the assistance of local police, a midnight raid was conducted at Raza Colony in Bijnor, leading to Ansari's arrest on April 4, police said, adding that stolen gold ornaments have been recovered, reported PTI. His three accomplices have been identified, and a search is on to nab them. Gang paid youngsters 'salary' to commit thefts on trains; 3 arrested In another case, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested three members of a gang which hired unemployed youngsters on a fixed monthly salary to commit thefts on trains, reported PTI. The arrested men were identified as Kailash Das (42) from Khagaria in Bihar, and Mithilesh Shah (29) and Kishan Nishad (22) from Chhattisgarh, reported PTI. According to RPF officials, a special drive was launched recently to curb rising cases of thefts on trains. "During the operation, we detained three suspects and questioned them. Their interrogation revealed an organised network behind these thefts," said an official, reported PTI. The mastermind, who is from Khagaria in Bihar, was still at large. He hired unemployed youths promising a salary of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and provided them training as to how to commit a theft on a train, the official said, reported PTI. The gang operated across several regions including Nagpur, Itwari, Bhilai, Raigarh and Bilaspur. "More arrests are expected soon," the official said. (With inputs from PTI)
15 April,2026 07:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Charkop police have busted a major racket that allegedly duped hundreds of people across Maharashtra under the pretext of securing loans through NABARD schemes for small-scale businesses. While one accused has been arrested, the mastermind remains at large. The case came to light after a victim was cheated of Rs 5 lakh with a promise of setting up a dairy farm under a scheme. Following a complaint, an investigation was launched and Shrikant Gavde, 37, a resident of Charkop, was arrested on March 17. Role of accused Shrikant Gavde was previously employed as a manager in a multinational bank but later came in contact with the absconding mastermind, identified as Amol Thakre. Officials believe the Gavde is merely a middleman, and several such agents may be active across different districts. Cases across Maharashtra The accused not only operated in Mumbai but also carried out similar frauds in various districts in the state. Over the past five years, they allegedly cheated hundreds of people. Police have so far recovered around 280 files during the investigation, indicating fraud of over R40 lakh. The mastermind Amol Thakre, the alleged mastermind behind the fraud, posed as a government employee and lured agents like Gavde by offering commissions. They would promise loans ranging from R25 lakh to R5 crore and demand an advance commission of around 10 per cent. Gavde would collect the money in his bank account, withdraw it in cash, and hand it over to Thakre. What are the schemes under NABARD? The NABARD scheme offers loan options to support rural development and agricultural projects The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is India's apex development financial institution. The NABARD scheme offers various loan options to support rural development and agricultural projects. These loans cater to farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and infrastructure development. Modus operandi The accused targeted people seeking loans for small-scale businesses such as dairy farms, poultry, and other ventures. They promised to secure government-subsidised loans under NABARD schemes and collected documents from victims. To gain trust, the accused would initiate fake registration processes for required licenses and approvals in the victims’ names. However, police said that not a single victim has reported receiving any loan. Investigation underway Police have written to the government departments concerned seeking verification of the claims. Preliminary findings suggest that no loans were ever sanctioned to the victims. Out of the 280 files recovered, 95 are currently in police possession, while Gavde has informed investigators that the remaining files were handed over to Thakre.
15 April,2026 07:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and party workers on Wednesday staged a protest in Goregaon following the death of two MBA students allegedly due to drug overdose while attending a concert in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, along with several party workers reached the Vanrai Police Station in Goregaon and while protesting demanded a strict action in the matter. Party leaders including Kishori Pednekar and Sunil Prabhu were among others to join the protest. The incident had taken place at the NESCO complex in Goregaon East, raising concerns over drug abuse and safety in the city. Several senior party leaders and local representatives participated in the protest, calling for immediate and strong action against those responsible for the incident. गोरेगाव पूर्व येथील नेस्को संकुल येथे झालेल्या लाईव्ह म्युझिक कॉन्सर्टमध्ये अंमली पदार्थांच्या अतिसेवनाने झालेल्या दोन विद्यार्थ्यांच्या मृत्यूच्या घटनेमुळे मुंबईतील कायदे-सुवस्थेबाबत निर्माण झालेल्या गंभीर प्रश्नांविरोधात आज शिवसेना (उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे) पक्षाच्या वतीने वनराई… pic.twitter.com/lGQMosb4au — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) April 15, 2026 Concerns over drug abuse Protesters raised serious concerns about the handling of security at the concert venue and alleged lapses that may have allowed illegal substances to be used. They urged the police to take strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure accountability. The incident The protest follows a recent incident in which two MBA students died and an another was hospitalised after allegedly consuming drugs at a live music concert in Goregaon. The case has sparked public outrage and led to multiple arrests, with investigations continuing into possible drug supply networks. The Vanrai police which is probing the matter have arrested six people so far in connection with the matter. The police had made the latest arrest on Tuesday. Congress alleges governance failure Meanwhile, the Congress on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra following the deaths of the students due to suspected drug overdose, calling the administration “inept and shameless” and accusing it of failing to curb the growing drug problem among youth. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, who alleged that the state’s governance failures have allowed drug abuse to spread unchecked. Sapkal questioned how such a large gathering, where drugs and alcohol were allegedly consumed openly, went undetected by authorities. He said the incident pointed to a major lapse by the Mumbai Police and the state’s Home Department, adding that it reflected poorly on the administrative machinery responsible for maintaining law and order. The Congress leader also demanded clarity on permissions granted for the event at the NESCO complex in Goregaon, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
15 April,2026 03:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn 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 PatelResidence: KalyanBackground: Associated with the construction businessLink: 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 deathsDeaths: 2 (including one woman)Injured: 1 woman, criticalLatest arrest: Anand Patel, 25, Kalyan Arrest date: April 13Custody: Till April 16Total accused: 6
15 April,2026 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
-1776248140310_d.png "Party leaders including Kishori Pednekar and Sunil Prabhu were among others to join the protest. Pic/X")
