Mumbai: The Vanrai police on Saturday arrested the ninth accused, Ayush Sahitya, 24, a resident of Ulhasnagar, with the assistance of Raigad police, in connection with the alleged drug supply linked to the deaths of two MBA students, who reportedly died of an Ecstasy (MDMA) overdose during the ‘999999999’ music concert held at the NESCO Centre on April 11.
He was arrested from Poladpur in Raigad while allegedly attempting to flee to Goa. The police said they discovered financial transactions between co-accused Vineet Gerelani and Ayush Sahitya.
Also Watch:
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Borivali remanded three accused, Anand Patel, Vineet Gerelani, and Ayush Sahitya, to police custody till April 20, while the court granted 14 days’ judicial custody to student Raunak Khandelwal, event organiser Akash Samal, NESCO staff members Sunny Jain and Balkrishnan Kurup, and student Pratik Pandey. However, Shubh Agarwal, who was produced before the court on Friday, was remanded to the police custody till April 20.
During the hearing, NESCO’s lawyer, Rishi Bhuta, raised objections regarding the alleged illegal arrest. However, the magistrate rejected the application. Advocate Bhuta, appearing for Sunny Jain and Balkrishnan Kurup, told the media, “The police did not inform our clients’ relatives about the grounds of arrest, which makes the arrest illegal. We will challenge this in the Bombay High Court on Monday.”
Bhuta argued that the notices were issued in Marathi, a language his clients could not read. He also contended that the police share responsibility for the incident as the venue falls under their jurisdiction. The police conducted raids at the residences of accused Vineet Sunil Gerelani, 22, and Anand Laxman Patel, 24, in the presence of government magistrates. At Gerelani’s residence, five blue MDMA pills, weighing around 305 grams and valued at approximately ₹20,000, were seized.
The pills bore the text “Mercedes” in capital letters. No contraband was found at Patel’s house. During questioning, Gerelani revealed that he, along with four associates, attended the ‘999999999’ music event at NESCO on April 11. They allegedly entered the venue without tickets after paying ₹1,000 each (and ₹2,000 by one individual) to a bouncer, who allowed them entry through Gate No. 9 of Hall No. 5. The organiser had given security responsibility to Safecure company.
Advocate Surendra Landge and Advocate Azad Gupta appeared in court for Gerelani and Ayush Sahitya. However, advocate Azad Gupta stated, “Gerelani’s arrest was illegal. The recovery is different because the pills had different text.”
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
