Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has summoned Ashish Hemrajani, the CEO of Big Tree Entertainment, the parent company of BookMyShow, following accusations of involvement in black market ticket sales for Coldplay’s upcoming concert in India. This investigation comes in the wake of claims that unauthorized ticket sales for the British rock band’s “Music of the Spheres” World Tour were being facilitated.
Allegations Against BookMyShow for Black Market Ticket Sales
The inquiry into BookMyShow began when a complaint was lodged by advocate Amit Vyas, alleging that the ticketing platform had allowed unauthorized sales of tickets for Coldplay’s concerts, set to take place on January 19, 20, and 21, 2025, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Coldplay’s return to India after an eight-year hiatus has generated massive interest, making tickets highly sought after.
Amit Vyas’s complaint accuses BookMyShow of playing a pivotal role in enabling the black market distribution of these concert tickets. The complaint claims that certain tickets were being sold at inflated prices through unauthorized channels. These allegations have prompted the Economic Offences Wing to take immediate action.
Summons and Investigation Into BookMyShow
Ashish Hemrajani, along with the company’s technical head, has been summoned to appear before the investigating officers on September 28, 2024. This summons comes as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the extent of BookMyShow’s involvement in the alleged scalping practices. The Economic Offences Wing has already taken the statement of Amit Vyas and begun identifying brokers involved in this illegal trade.
Authorities are working diligently to uncover the individuals and entities responsible for these unlawful ticket sales. As the probe advances, more people may be called in for questioning, especially those with potential connections to the black market ticketing scandal.
BookMyShow Denies Allegations, Warns Against Unauthorized Ticket Purchases
In response to these allegations, BookMyShow has vehemently denied any association with third-party platforms such as Viagogo or Gigsberg, which are known for reselling tickets at inflated prices. In a public statement, the company clarified that they do not collaborate with unauthorized resellers and that all legitimate tickets are sold through their official channels.
BookMyShow further warned the public to avoid purchasing tickets from unauthorized sellers, as these tickets could be counterfeit and may not grant entry to the concert. To safeguard concertgoers, the platform has advised fans to only buy tickets directly from their website or other verified sources.
BookMyShow Cooperates Fully with Authorities
As the investigation progresses, BookMyShow has confirmed its full cooperation with the Economic Offences Wing. The company has also filed its own police complaint against illegal scalping activities. This proactive step demonstrates BookMyShow’s commitment to addressing the issue and maintaining transparency.
The ticketing giant emphasized that they have strict measures in place to prevent unauthorized ticket sales and are working alongside law enforcement to put an end to these practices. They reiterated their dedication to ensuring a seamless and fair ticket purchasing process for fans attending the Coldplay concert.
Coldplay’s Return to India and the Rising Demand for Tickets
Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” World Tour marks the band’s highly anticipated return to India after eight long years. The concerts, scheduled at the iconic DY Patil Stadium, are expected to draw massive crowds. As one of the most popular bands in the world, Coldplay’s performances are in high demand, which has unfortunately led to the rise of black market ticket sales.
With tickets selling out quickly, unauthorized sellers have attempted to capitalize on the frenzy by offering overpriced tickets through illegal means. This has raised concerns among fans and authorities alike. The Economic Offences Wing is now focused on eradicating these black market activities to ensure that genuine fans can attend the event without falling victim to fraud.
Crackdown on Illegal Ticket Scalping Ahead of the Concert
As Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing delves deeper into this case, they are committed to taking strict action against those involved in the illegal ticket scalping business. By summoning high-profile individuals like Ashish Hemrajani, the EOW aims to send a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated.
The authorities’ investigation will likely lead to more revelations, and it is anticipated that further measures will be put in place to regulate ticket sales and combat unauthorized reselling. This case also highlights the broader issue of ticket scalping in the entertainment industry, where popular events often see tickets sold at exorbitant prices by unauthorized brokers.
Conclusion
The allegations of black market ticket sales for Coldplay’s concert have put BookMyShow and its CEO, Ashish Hemrajani, in the spotlight. As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the Economic Offences Wing’s efforts to curtail illegal scalping and protect concertgoers from fraudulent ticket purchases. While BookMyShow maintains its innocence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that arise when high-demand events attract unscrupulous resellers. Fans are urged to remain vigilant and purchase tickets only through official channels to avoid falling victim to scams.
