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The controversy following the recent NESCO concert has triggered strong opposition to an upcoming music event in Kalamboli, in Navi Mumbai, with residents, a local corporator and police raising concerns over safety, drug abuse, and disturbance to nearby hospitals. The Royal Stag Boom concert, scheduled for April 25 in Kalamboli, is now under scrutiny, with growing calls for its cancellation.

Manali Thakur submits a letter to police seeking cancellation of the Royal Stag Boom concert. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Political objection

. Panvel Municipal Corporation Corporator Manali Thakur has written to the police seeking cancellation of the event.
. Citing the NESCO incident — where alleged drug consumption during a concert reportedly led to deaths and hospitalisations — she said such events could send the wrong message.
. “We cannot allow such events to send the wrong message to our youth. Navi Mumbai’s safe image must be protected,” Thakur said.

Key issues raised

Drug concerns: Fears of substance abuse following the NESCO incident
Hospital proximity: Venue located near hospitals, raising disturbance concerns
Permission gap: Organisers have not approached the police yet
Public order: Residents fear noise, crowding and nuisance

Posters put up in Kalamboli urging authorities to deny permission for the upcoming concert

At a glance

Event: Royal Stag Boom concert
Date: April 25
Location: Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai
Status: Permission under consideration
Key concern: Drug use, hospital disturbance
Police stance: Advised against permission

What happens after this…

The final decision now rests with CIDCO, which has received inputs from both police and local representatives.

Another arrest in NESCO case

In a major development in the NESCO music concert drug overdose case, the number of arrests has climbed to eight, with the Vanrai Police apprehending absconding accused Shubh Agarwal, who is alleged to be a key supplier in the narcotics chain. Another accused, Ayush Sahitya, continues to remain on the run.

Police flag key concerns

. In a significant development, Kalamboli Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Kote said organisers have not approached the police for permission. Instead, they have written to CIDCO.
. “We have received the letter from PMC Corporator Manali Thakur regarding not allowing the Royal Stag concert. The organisers have not come to us yet for permission. They have approached CIDCO,” Kote told mid-day.
. He added that police have flagged concerns with CIDCO.
. “We have informed CIDCO that there are hospitals around the venue, so permission should not be granted considering patients in the area,” he said.

Residents push for cancellation

. Kalamboli Residents backed demand for cancellation, citing fears of drug use, crowd mismanagement and late-night disturbance
. “We don’t want Panvel to become a drugs hub,” said Sachin Kamble, an advocate.
. “There are families and patients here. Such events bring noise, alcohol and unwanted elements. Not acceptable,” said Pallavi Singh, a homemaker.
. Posters have appeared in the area, urging authorities to reject permission for the event