In a significant development, the Mumbai Police have summoned the CEO and technical head of BookMyShow, the ticket booking platform, in connection with allegations of black market sales of tickets for the upcoming Coldplay concert in Mumbai.
Background of the Incident
Coldplay, the renowned British rock band, is set to perform in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, as part of its 'Music of the Spheres' World Tour. The tickets for these concerts went on sale on September 22 through BookMyShow, but the process was marred by technical glitches. Despite these issues, all tickets for the initial two shows sold out within seconds, prompting Coldplay to announce a third show on January 21, which also sold out quickly.
Allegations of Black Marketing
The swift sale of tickets and their subsequent appearance on reseller platforms at exorbitant prices have raised suspicions of black marketing. Tickets originally priced between Rs 2,500 and Rs 35,000 were resold on platforms like Viagogo for prices ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 3 lakh and even higher.
Advocate Amit Vyas filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, alleging misconduct by 23 individuals and entities, including Big Tree Entertainment Private Limited, the parent company of BookMyShow, and its CEO Ashish Hemrajani. The complaint accuses these entities of conspiring to engage in black marketing of the tickets, deceiving and defrauding the general public.
Police Action
Following the complaint, the Mumbai Police's EOW summoned Ashish Hemrajani and the technical head of BookMyShow to appear before the investigating officer on Saturday to record their statements. This move is part of a preliminary inquiry (PE) to determine if a cognisable offence was committed. If the inquiry finds sufficient evidence, it could lead to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).
BookMyShow's Response
BookMyShow has vehemently denied any involvement in the black market sale of tickets. In a statement, the company clarified that it is not associated with any ticket reselling platforms such as Viagogo and Gigsberg, or with individuals engaged in reselling tickets for Coldplay's concert. BookMyShow condemned the practice of ticket scalping, emphasizing that it is illegal in India and punishable by law. The company has also filed a police complaint regarding the alleged sale of counterfeit tickets on unauthorized platforms and has assured full cooperation with the police in the investigation.
Warning to Consumers
BookMyShow has cautioned fans against purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources, warning that such tickets may be counterfeit and pose a significant risk to consumers. The company urged fans to exercise caution and only purchase tickets through official channels to ensure their authenticity.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of ticket scalping and black marketing in the entertainment industry, particularly during high-demand events. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address these allegations and ensure fair ticketing practices for future events.
