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.
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