Drug Peddler Arrested as Mumbai Concert Deaths Expose Dangerous Ecstasy Supply Network

Two college students died and another remains critically ill after allegedly consuming drugs at a concert held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai, prompting police to arrest six people, including an alleged drug peddler, officials said on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a live music event on Saturday, raising serious concerns about drug circulation and security lapses at large public gatherings.

According to police, the accused drug peddler identified as Anand Patel was arrested for allegedly supplying Ecstasy, an amphetamine-based stimulant, to the victims. Investigators believe the drugs were delivered to customers at the venue using a delivery service app. The substance is known for its psychoactive effects, including increased energy, elevated body temperature, and heightened sensory perception, making it popular in party environments despite its dangers.

The victims have been identified as Shreya Rai (24) and Bismat Singh Amarjit Singh Bhasin (28), both students of the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), who died after the incident. A third student, Sheetal Salvi (25), is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit at Bombay Hospital and remains in critical condition, according to officials familiar with the case.

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Police said Anand Patel was produced before the Borivali magistrate court and has been remanded to custody for further interrogation until April 16. Investigators are examining how the drug supply chain operated and whether additional individuals were involved in distributing substances at the concert venue. The case has widened into a larger probe into possible organised drug distribution linked to event settings.

Earlier, on Monday, police had arrested five other individuals in connection with the case. Those arrested include senior NESCO Exhibition Centre official Balkrishna Kurup, his associate Sunny Vinod Jain, an employee of a production house involved in organising the event, as well as two students identified as Raunak Rahul Khandelwal and Pratik Bijesh Pandey. Authorities are investigating their roles in facilitating access, logistics, and possible distribution networks linked to the incident.

The case has sparked concern over drug use at large-scale entertainment events and raised questions about event management oversight and safety protocols. Police officials have stated that further investigations are underway to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future, as the probe continues to uncover new links in the alleged supply chain.

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