Mumbai, April 16 (NationPress) In relation to the tragic deaths of two individuals suspected to be caused by drug overdose at a live concert in Mumbai, the NESCO Centre released a statement on Thursday conveying its deep sympathies and reiterating its dedication to safety and collaboration with law enforcement.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and we sincerely wish for the swift recovery of the individual who is currently receiving treatment,” stated NESCO in its announcement.

The venue management underscored that the safety and welfare of all attendees is its foremost priority. “We are fully cooperating with the investigative authorities and are providing all required support to facilitate a thorough and prompt inquiry,” the statement further noted.

NESCO clarified that it has always adhered to all relevant laws, regulatory guidelines, and established protocols for events held on its premises.

“Comprehensive safety and security measures were implemented for the event in alignment with these stipulations,” it affirmed.

Reiterating its strict approach against illicit activities, NESCO declared that it enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, use, or distribution of narcotics on its property.

“All attendees must comply with clearly defined entry conditions, event regulations, and on-site protocols that explicitly prohibit such activities and place the responsibility on individuals for compliance,” the statement mentioned.

The management strongly refuted any claims of negligence on its part.

“We wish to assert unequivocally that there has been no oversight or negligence on the part of NESCO or its staff regarding this incident. Our employees, Mr. Sunny Vinod Jain and Mr. Balakrishnan Balaram, have fulfilled their duties according to established protocols and without any misconduct. We are confident that the current investigation will corroborate this,” it emphasized.

“As this matter is presently under investigation, we shall refrain from additional comments at this time. We remain committed to assisting the authorities and ensuring that all events hosted at our venue adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance,” the statement concluded.

In a related development, the Vanrai Police Station announced the arrest of another suspect on Thursday, increasing the total number of arrests in this case to seven, according to officials.

Authorities reported that the latest suspect is allegedly connected to a broader syndicate involved in narcotics distribution. The police are actively pursuing the main perpetrator, believed to be the central figure orchestrating the drug distribution at large events, including concerts and parties.

This individual was apprehended late at night and is set to be presented before a court. Investigators mentioned that new details are emerging as they delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two students who reportedly consumed drugs during the concert at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon.

Evidence collected during the ongoing investigation indicates that drug usage was not isolated to before the concert but persisted throughout the live performance. Authorities discovered that narcotics were transported from Kalyan to Mumbai via couriers, including porters, who facilitated the distribution among students attending the event.

According to officials, a shipment of MDMA, commonly referred to as “yellow pills,” ecstasy, or Molly, was delivered just one day prior to the event, on April 10.

Moreover, police have identified two arrested suspects, Anand Patel and Pratik Pandey, as significant players in what they describe as a major drug trafficking network operating in Mumbai. Both individuals are acquaintances and have reportedly engaged in such activities for several years.