Borivli Court Extends Custody as NESCO Music Festival Overdose Probe Unmasks Vast Drug Syndicate

The Borivli metropolitan magistrate court has extended the police custody of four alleged drug suppliers—Ayush Sahitya, Shubh Agarwal, Vineet Gerelani, and Anand Patel—until April 23, as investigators widen a probe into a structured drug syndicate linked to a fatal overdose event at the NESCO music concert. The investigation, which has already seen 10 arrests, recently culminated in the apprehension of bouncer Pradeep Gupta, who is accused of orchestrating a "backdoor entry" racket that facilitated the tragedy. Gupta, a resident of Sion Koliwada and a member of the security team assigned to manage safety at the concert, allegedly allowed several individuals, including the key accused, unauthorized access to the event without tickets in exchange for money. Police claim Gupta facilitated entry through rear access for multiple individuals linked to drug distribution, suggesting severe security lapses or possible collusion that ultimately resulted in the deaths of two students.

Analysis of Call Data Records (CDR) and bank transactions spanning 10 days before and after the NESCO event has uncovered links pointing to a major, absconding drug trafficker operating behind the scenes. Financial trails indicate multiple transactions routed not just to this main supplier, but also to his wife's bank account, raising suspicions of a well-organized laundering network. Investigators believe Ayush Sahitya is aware of the absconding supplier's whereabouts, and efforts are underway to trace him while authorities gather detailed banking data to identify the full extent of the financial chain. Evidence shows that Agarwal, Sahitya, and Gerelani allegedly transferred drug sale proceeds to accounts linked to the supplier's family, while investigators also examine whether funds were routed to Sahitya’s sister’s account, indicating a sophisticated layering of transactions. Bank analysis has flagged large cash flows between the accused during the critical timeline, pointing to a broader financial network involving undisclosed accounts.

The bouncer, Pradeep Gupta, was reportedly in contact with Sahitya five to seven times before the event. According to an officer from the Vanrai police station, Vineet Gerelani, Shubh Agarwal, and their associates gained illegal entry into the ‘999999999’ music event by paying Gupta. The responsibility for security at the event had been assigned to SafeCure's management company, which had deployed over 100 security guards and bouncers. Police officers intend to question other security personnel on duty to determine if additional staff were involved in facilitating unauthorized entry or are linked to the case. Gupta was produced before a court and has been remanded in police custody until April 24.

As the case evolves into a syndicate investigation, the focus remains on tracking down the absconding kingpin, decoding the money trail across multiple accounts, and establishing the role of event organizers and facilitators. Authorities suspect the arrested accused may have hidden additional quantities of narcotics and that more individuals are aiding the trafficking network. Police maintain that the circulation of a large volume of drugs during the NESCO event would not have been possible without insider support, leading to the likely summoning of event organizers, vendors, and associated staff. During legal proceedings, defense counsel raised concerns over inconsistencies, with Advocate Azad Gupta, representing Gerelani, stating that police initially claimed recovery of 300 grams of "Mercedes" capsules before clarifying the amount as 300 milligrams. Advocate Surendra Landge noted that the extension of custody was primarily sought to trace the main supplier and investigate financial transactions. This comprehensive, chain-linked investigation remains essential to dismantling the network behind the tragedy and ensuring accountability for the security failures that enabled it.