Mumbai: The investigation into the deaths of two MBA students at a concert in Goregaon has intensified, with Mumbai Police revealing that one of the accused had allegedly ordered 10 Ecstasy pills from an arrested drug peddler.
According to officials, the pills were delivered at the venue and consumed by a group of students, leading to a suspected overdose that claimed two lives and left another student hospitalised.
Pills ordered and distributed among students
Police said that Pratik Pandey, a final-year MBA student at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, had ordered the pills for ₹1,500 each from alleged peddler Anand Patel.
The drugs were reportedly delivered at the NESCO Exhibition Centre before the start of the concert. Another accused, Raunak Khandelval, is said to have received the consignment and distributed the pills among the group.
Investigators stated that around 10 students consumed the tablets, all of whom were from the same institute.
Victims and medical emergency
The deceased have been identified as Shreya Rai and Bismat Singh Bhasin. A third student, Sheetal Salvi, is currently under treatment and recovering.
Police said that shortly after consuming the pills, the students began experiencing severe symptoms, including breathing difficulties, dizziness, and convulsions. They were rushed to nearby hospitals, but Rai and Bhasin later died during treatment.
Forensic analysis underway
Post-mortem examinations of the deceased were conducted at JJ Hospital and Siddharth Hospital, with procedures carried out under video recording.
Officials have sent viscera and blood samples to a forensic laboratory in Kalina to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary findings suggest a strong link to drug consumption, based on the symptoms observed.
Police have also recorded statements from multiple students who confirmed witnessing the victims consuming the tablets.
Supply chain under investigation
Authorities are probing the supply chain of the drugs. A suspect believed to have supplied narcotics to the alleged peddler has been detained, though his role is still being verified.
Investigators said that Pandey had previously sourced drugs from Patel through a common contact, indicating a possible recurring network.
The police have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to trace the origins of the narcotics.
Protests and calls for stricter regulation
The incident has triggered public outrage, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena staging a protest outside the Vanrai police station.
The party has demanded a thorough investigation into the case and called for stricter regulations, including a review of permissions granted for large-scale events at the NESCO venue.
Concerns over drug use among youth
Ecstasy, a synthetic drug known for its stimulant and mild hallucinogenic effects, has gained popularity among young people, particularly at music events. However, it can lead to dangerous side effects such as overheating, dehydration, and respiratory distress.
Experts warn that unregulated use, especially in crowded environments, can significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes.
Conclusion
The Goregaon drug deaths case has highlighted serious concerns about drug access and safety at public events. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on identifying the full network involved and ensuring accountability. The incident is likely to prompt stricter scrutiny of event management and drug enforcement measures in the city.