Two MBA students die of alleged drug overdose at Mumbai concert; 5 arrested
Two 24-yr-old students died and a woman remains critical after a suspected MDMA overdose at a Mumbai concert; five arrested for drug supply and safety lapses
A late-night music concert at the NESCO Exhibition Centre on April 11 in Mumbai turned tragic after two 24-year-old MBA students died allegedly due to a drug overdose, while another student continues to be in a critical condition.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the case, 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.
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Officials said around 4,000 people attended the concert in Goregaon East, paying an entry fee of Rs 2,000. Some attendees allegedly consumed the banned drug MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. Around midnight, three students developed breathing difficulties.
Drug overdose
The two young 24-year-old students, a man and a woman, later died in the hospital as their health rapidly deteriorated, while a 25-year-old woman continues to be in critical condition. Doctors have confirmed that the deaths were caused by a drug overdose, the police said .
The students were part of a group of 25 from a reputed college in south Mumbai who had attended the event. According to police, one of the deceased had consumed a pill before arriving at the venue and took another during the concert, leading to an overdose.
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Investigations revealed that the pills were supplied by another student, who had allegedly brought them from outside Mumbai. Police said they recovered six to seven pills from the accused.
MDMA, a banned synthetic drug, increases energy and alertness but can also cause dehydration, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness and confusion. Its effects can turn fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.
Security lapses
Police have registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, invoking charges related to drug possession, sale and criminal conspiracy.
Police have also booked the event and venue organisers for failing to prevent drug use and for allegedly serving alcohol to attendees below the legal age without permission. The organisers have been charged with violating time restrictions as well, with the event continuing beyond the permissible limit of 10 pm and running past midnight.
“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, according to an India Today report.
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