BookMyShow CEO Summoned by Mumbai Police Over Coldplay Ticket Scalping

Koushik Roy

BookMyShow CEO Summoned by Mumbai Police Over Coldplay Ticket Scalping

Concerns Arise Over Coldplay India Concert 2025 Ticketing Issues

Coldplay, one of the world’s most beloved bands, is set to return to India for a highly anticipated concert in January 2025 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This event marks their comeback after an electrifying performance in 2016, stirring excitement among fans eager to secure tickets. However, the excitement has been tainted by allegations of ticket scalping and black marketing, leading to legal scrutiny involving the CEO of BookMyShow.

Mumbai Police Investigation

Ashish Hemrajani, the CEO and co-founder of BookMyShow, has been summoned multiple times by the Mumbai Police Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) to investigate recent claims of ticket fraud. The investigation was prompted by complaints about the alleged sale of counterfeit tickets for the Coldplay concert.

Details of the Summons

   

Hemrajani, along with the company’s technical head, received a summons on September 27 but failed to appear before the EOW. Subsequently, they have been summoned again as part of an ongoing inquiry into the reported sale of fake tickets, which has raised concerns among fans trying to purchase legitimate passes for the concert.

Ticket Prices and Demand

The demand for Coldplay concert tickets has reached a frenzy, with prices soaring dramatically. Reports indicate that ticket prices have skyrocketed to as high as Rs 7 lakh, while standard ticket prices range between Rs 38,000 and Rs 3 lakh. This intense competition for tickets has led to fears of black marketing, exacerbating the frustrations of fans eager to attend this exclusive event.

BookMyShow’s Response

In the face of these allegations, BookMyShow has strongly denied any involvement in ticket scalping and distanced itself from third-party ticket resellers. The company has publicly condemned illegal ticketing practices and has filed a police complaint regarding the sale of fake tickets. Furthermore, BookMyShow has advised consumers to refrain from purchasing tickets through unauthorized sellers, emphasizing that the risk of acquiring counterfeit tickets lies entirely with the buyers.

Official Statement and Consumer Advisory

BookMyShow explicitly clarified that it does not collaborate with any platforms, such as Viagogo and Gigsberg, that engage in the resale of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour 2025 tickets in India. As the concert dates approach, the company urges fans to only buy tickets from official sources to avoid financial losses and disappointment due to fake tickets.

Conclusion

This controversy comes as Coldplay eagerly returns to India, with performances scheduled for January 18, 19, and 21, 2025. While the excitement among fans is palpable, ensuring the security of ticket purchases has become paramount. As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial for consumers to stay informed and vigilant, protecting themselves from potential scams.