Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing Summons BookMyShow CEO Over Coldplay Concert Ticket Scalping Allegations
In a significant development in the realm of event ticketing and consumer rights, the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has summoned Ashish Hemrajani, the CEO of Big Tree Entertainment, the parent company of the popular ticketing platform BookMyShow. This action comes in the wake of an investigation into alleged black market sales of tickets for the much-anticipated Coldplay concert scheduled for January 19 to 21, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium.
Background of the Investigation
The EOW’s summons, issued on Monday, follows a previous notice sent on September 27, which Hemrajani and the company’s technical head failed to respond to. According to reports from ANI, the EOW has now mandated their appearance before the investigating officer to record their statements. The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by Advocate Amit Vyas, who accused BookMyShow of facilitating the black market for concert tickets.
Allegations of Ticket Scalping
Advocate Vyas’s complaint highlights a troubling trend in the resale of Coldplay concert tickets. Originally priced at ₹2,500, these tickets are reportedly being resold by third parties and influencers for exorbitant prices, reaching as high as ₹3 lakh. This stark markup raises serious concerns about the integrity of the ticketing process and the potential exploitation of fans eager to attend the concert.
Vyas alleges that BookMyShow has misled the public and Coldplay fans, claiming that the platform’s practices have contributed to the rampant ticket scalping. He is seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against the company for fraud, arguing that the ticketing platform has a responsibility to protect consumers from such unethical practices.
EOW’s Actions and Ongoing Investigation
The EOW has taken Vyas’s allegations seriously, recording his statement and identifying several brokers believed to be involved in the ticket scalping scheme. The investigation is ongoing, with the possibility of more individuals being summoned as the EOW delves deeper into the matter. The Coldplay concert, touted as one of the major events of the year, has attracted significant attention, making the integrity of its ticket sales all the more critical.
Implications for the Ticketing Industry
This situation underscores the broader issues facing the ticketing industry, particularly in a country where live events are increasingly popular. The rise of digital platforms like BookMyShow has revolutionized how tickets are sold, but it has also opened the door to potential abuses, such as ticket scalping and black market sales. The EOW’s investigation could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, potentially leading to stricter regulations and greater accountability for ticketing platforms.
Conclusion
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on BookMyShow and its practices regarding ticket sales. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both the company and the ticketing industry as a whole. For Coldplay fans and concertgoers, the hope is that justice will prevail, ensuring that access to live music remains fair and equitable. As this story develops, it serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer rights and the need for transparency in the ticketing process.