Two MBA students from a reputed college allegedly died after consuming a drug overdose at a music concert held at an exhibition ground in Goregaon East on April 11.
According to police, a late-night techno concert was organised at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, where the two students—one male and one female, both around 24 years old—are believed to have consumed MDMA (ecstasy) before arriving at the venue. They later fell ill during the event, which was attended by around 3,000 to 4,000 people.
The students were initially part of a group of 15 attendees when several began feeling unwell during the concert. They were rushed to hospitals in Jogeshwari West and South Mumbai, but one died on April 12 morning, while the other succumbed later in the afternoon at JJ Hospital.
Police have arrested five people so far, including an event organiser and individuals allegedly linked to drug supply and event management lapses. Authorities said the accused failed to ensure proper safety measures, which allowed drugs to be brought into and consumed at the venue. All accused are around 25 years old and reportedly reside near Charni Road.
The Vanrai police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering life or personal safety, and disobedience to public authority orders, along with provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The accused were arrested on April 13.
Investigators are examining the suspected use of MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive substance known for producing heightened energy, emotional stimulation and sensory enhancement. However, experts caution that it can also lead to severe dehydration, overheating, increased heart rate, confusion, and in extreme cases, organ failure—risks that are amplified in crowded, high-energy environments like concerts.
Authorities also noted that some attendees experienced distress due to excessive alcohol and drug consumption at the event. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem, and police have not disclosed their identities.
The incident has raised serious concerns over drug use at large-scale events and the lack of adequate safety, medical preparedness, and on-ground monitoring at such venues. NESCO has stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
