A late-night techno concert at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East turned tragic after two MBA students died and another remains critical, allegedly due to suspected MDMA consumption. Police have arrested five individuals, including event organisers and associates of the victims
The accused in police custody after being arrested in connection with the case
A late-night techno music concert at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East turned fatal after two MBA students, including a woman, died and another remains critical, allegedly after consuming suspected narcotic substances during the event on Saturday. Police have arrested five people, including two friends of the victims, the event organiser and a NESCO staff member, as investigations point to drug distribution, underage alcohol access and multiple safety violations at the venue.
Screengrabs from Instagram videos show the crowd enjoying the concert at NESCO Exhibition Centre on Saturday night. Pics/By Special Arrangement
What is MDMA?
Full name: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
Common names: Ecstasy, Molly
Type: Synthetic psychoactive drug
How it affects the body
. Increases energy and alertness
. Produces euphoria and emotional warmth
. Alters sensory perception (sound, light, touch)
Health risks
. Dehydration and overheating
. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
. Nausea, anxiety, confusion
. Severe cases: organ failure, seizures, death
Why it is dangerous at concerts
. Crowded spaces and prolonged dancing increase dehydration risk
. Often consumed with alcohol, compounding effects
. Unknown purity or mixing with other substances
Victims
Deceased: Man, 28 Woman, 24
Injured: Woman, 25, in ICU
Timeline of events
April 11 | 9:30 PM
Group of ~25 students from a reputed South Mumbai college attends “999999999 Music Concert” at NESCO Hall 05
During event
Yellow pill (suspected MDMA) allegedly distributed and consumed. Victims continue dancing
April 12 | 12:00–12:30 AM
Breathlessness, dizziness and cramps reported
2:30 AM
Two women admitted to Trauma Care Hospital, Jogeshwari East. Both unfit to record statements
7:00 AM
Man declared dead at Lifeline Hospital, Goregaon West
Later on April 12
One woman dies at Bombay Hospital
Other remains critical
What the survivor said
. The injured woman stated she was given a “yellow pill” by her classmate
. Said the others also consumed a similar pill
. Group had attended together after booking passes online
. “I do not remember what happened after that… when I last saw her [the deceased woman], she was fine and we were dancing,” the survivor said
. Identified substance as suspected Ecstasy (MDMA), seen at similar events before
Accused arrested
. College student, 25, - allegedly gave drugs
. Vihan aka Akash Samal, 31, - event organiser
. Sunny Vinod Jain, 31, - NESCO event organiser/management
. Balakrishnan Balram Kurup, 46, - internal security
. Another college student, 24, – alleged supplier
Arrest date: April 13, 2026
Custody: 3 days police remand
Key findings so far
. Drug consumed suspected to be MDMA (Ecstasy)
. Narcotics allegedly distributed inside the venue
. Event organisers failed to prevent drug use
. Alcohol was allegedly served to individuals below 25 without permits
. Event ran beyond permitted time (till ~12:30 AM vs 10:00 PM limit)
NESCO statement
“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. At this stage, as the matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We remain committed to supporting the authorities and upholding all safety and compliance standards,” a NESCO spokesperson said.
Mobile phones worth lakhs were also stolen at Goregaon concert
In a case of theft reported during a high-profile music concert, several mobile phones worth lakhs were allegedly stolen from attendees at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon East.
According to the complaint filed at the Vanrai Police Station, a 28-year-old businessman residing at Malad West, Mumbai, attended a music concert at NESCO Warehouse, Goregaon East, on April 11, 2026. The event, held at Gate No. 1, Hall No. 5, witnessed a massive crowd of nearly 15,000 people.
The complainant stated that he reached the venue around 9:15 PM with his mobile phone in his possession. However, at approximately 9:40 PM, he discovered that his phone, which was kept in his pocket, had gone missing. Despite searching the area, he could not locate the device.
During inquiries at the venue, he came across other attendees from Chembur, Pune, Ulhas Nagar, Kalyan, Chinchookli Dindoshi, and others who had also allegedly fallen victim to similar thefts during the concert.
Police said that multiple high-end smartphones, including iPhone 17, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air models, were allegedly stolen from the crowded concert venue.
The total value of the stolen devices is estimated to be around Rs 3.40 lakh.
Based on the complaint, an offence has been registered against unknown persons for theft. The Vanrai Police have initiated an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the venue to identify the accused.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
