​

German DJ and music producer Klangkuenstler’s recent gig at Nesco Exhibition Centre, Goregaon East, turned sour for many concert-goers after several of them found their phones had allegedly been stolen. Around 40 high-end smartphones are estimated to have been stolen in the crush among the 2000-odd people who attended the gig on July 9. 

Vanrai Police have registered an FIR in connection with the thefts. “Most of the men’s and women’s phones went missing from their pockets while they were dancing to the music. Others’ phones were stolen from their purses while they stood in queues to buy food and beverages,” said an officer.

A 32-year-old complainant told this paper, “I was standing in line to buy a water bottle when suddenly there was a crowd pushing from all sides. I somehow managed to get out of there with great difficulty, but realised my iPhone had been stolen from my bag.”

“The concert ended around 12.30 am, and I went to file a police complaint with my dad. When I reached Vanrai police station, we saw several others there to lodge similar complaints about their missing phones. The police clubbed the complaints of eight women, including mine, in an FIR. It is suspected that around 40 people’s phones have been stolen. I have attended many concerts before, but nothing like this has ever happened to me,” she added.

“Another complaint was registered based on the complaint of a 20-year-old resident of Nashik,” said an officer, adding: “The total estimated loss across all nine reported thefts stands at Rs 4.4 lakh. 

Most of the complainants had come from Goa, Nashik, and Pune to attend the concert, and most of the stolen devices were iPhones, said the police. 

The police, under the guidance of DCP Mahesh Chimate (zone 12) and senior inspector Girish Bane of Vanrai police station, have launched an investigation. They suspect an organised mobile theft racket may be behind the incident.

Rs 4.4 L
Total estimated loss across all nine reported thefts