The Borivli metropolitan magistrate court has extended till April 23 the police custody of four alleged drug suppliers, Ayush Sahitya, Shubh Agarwal, Vineet Gerelani, and Anand Patel, in connection with the NESCO music concert drug overdose death case, as investigators widen the probe into what now appears to be a larger drug syndicate. The case has now seen 10 arrests, with the latest being that of a bouncer, Pradeep Gupta, accused of running a “backdoor entry” racket.
Gupta allegedly allowed several individuals, including the key accused, unauthorised access to the event without tickets. Police claim he facilitated entry for multiple individuals linked to drug distribution at the concert, suggesting security lapses or possible collusion, ultimately resulting in the deaths of two students.
Syndicate angle
According to sources from the Vanrai police, the investigation has uncovered links pointing to a major, absconding drug trafficker operating behind the scenes.
Analysis of Call Data Records (CDR) and bank transactions spanning 10 days before and after the NESCO event revealed that the arrested accused were in direct contact with the key supplier. Financial trails indicate multiple transactions routed not just to the main supplier, but also to his wife’s bank account, raising suspicions of a well-organised laundering network.
Police are now gathering detailed banking data to determine the full extent of the financial chain and identify other possible links. Investigators believe that Sahitya is aware of the absconding supplier’s whereabouts, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
What lies ahead?
With investigators now treating the case as part of a structured drug syndicate, the focus remains on:
>> Tracking down the absconding kingpin
>> Decoding the money trail across multiple accounts
>> Establishing the role of event organisers and facilitators
>> Police maintain that a comprehensive, chain-linked investigation is essential to dismantle the network behind the tragedy
The bouncer
According to police sources, Gupta, a resident of Sion Koliwada, was part of the security team assigned to manage safety at the concert. Call records show Gupta and Sahitya were in contact five to seven times before the event.
Police said that Gerelani, Agarwal, and their associates allegedly gained illegal entry into the ‘999999999’ music event by paying Gupta. “Gupta facilitated their entry through the rear access after taking money,” an officer from Vanrai police station said. Gupta was produced before a court and has been remanded in police custody till April 24.
“The responsibility for security at the event had been assigned to SafeCure’s management company, with over 100 security guards and bouncers deployed. Police officers said they will now question other security personnel on duty to determine whether any additional staff were involved in facilitating unauthorised entry or linked to the case,” said an officer.
Money trail
The probe has further revealed that Agarwal, Sahitya, and Gerelani allegedly transferred drug sale proceeds to accounts linked to the supplier’s family.
Investigators are also examining whether funds were routed to Ayush’s sister’s account, indicating possible layering of transactions.
Bank analysis has flagged large cash flows between accused during the critical timeline.
Authorities suspect the involvement of additional undisclosed accounts, pointing to a broader financial network.
Investigators suspect…
The arrested accused may have hidden additional quantities of narcotics.
There could be more individuals aiding the trafficking network.
A large volume of drugs was circulated during the NESCO event, which, police say, may not have been possible without insider support.
Authorities are now likely to summon event organisers, vendors, and associated staff for questioning to determine any role in facilitating the illegal activity.
Legal arguments
During proceedings, defence counsel raised concerns over inconsistencies in police claims:
Advocate Azad Gupta, representing Gerelani, stated that police initially claimed recovery of 300 grams of a substance referred to as “Mercedes” capsules, but later clarified it as 300 milligrams.
Another defence lawyer, Advocate Surendra Landge, noted that police sought extended custody primarily to trace the main supplier and investigate financial transactions.
