Mumbai, April 16 (IANS) In connection with the deaths of two individuals due to a suspected drug overdose at a live concert in Mumbai, the NESCO Centre on Thursday issued a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its commitment to safety and cooperation with authorities.

“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,” NESCO said in its statement.

The venue management emphasised that the safety and well-being of all visitors remain its top priority. “We are extending our full cooperation to the investigating authorities and are providing all necessary assistance to support a comprehensive and timely inquiry,” the statement added.

NESCO further clarified that it has consistently complied with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and prescribed protocols governing events hosted at its premises.

“Adequate arrangements, including necessary safety and security measures, were put in place for the event in line with such requirements,” it said.

Reiterating its strict stance against illegal activities, NESCO stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, use, or distribution of narcotics 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 statement noted.

The management also strongly denied any negligence on its part.

“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. We have full confidence that the ongoing investigation will establish the same,” it added.

“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 to ensuring that all events hosted at our venue meet the highest standards of safety and compliance,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Vanrai Police Station has arrested another accused on Thursday, taking the total number of arrests in the case to seven, officials said.

According to the police, the latest arrest is of an individual allegedly linked to a larger syndicate involved in the supply of narcotics. Authorities are continuing their search for the main accused, believed to be the key figure orchestrating the distribution of drugs at large-scale events such as concerts and parties.

The accused was taken into custody late at night and is scheduled to be produced before a court. 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 ongoing investigation has revealed that drug consumption was not limited to before the event but continued during the live concert as well. Police have found that narcotics were transported from Kalyan to Mumbai using couriers, including porters, who then facilitated distribution among students attending the event.

According to officials, a consignment of MDMA, commonly known as “yellow pills”, ecstasy, or Molly, was supplied just a day before the event, on April 10.

Additionally, police have identified two arrested accused, Anand Patel and Pratik Pandey, as key figures in what they described as a significant drug supply network operating in Mumbai. Both individuals are known to each other and have allegedly been involved in such activities for several years.

–IANS

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