Coldplay Tickets Controversy: Mumbai Police send another summon to BookMyShow CEO over alleged ticket scalping

Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has issued another summon to Ashish Hemrajani, CEO of Big Tree Entertainment Private Limited, the parent company of BookMyShow, as well as the company's technical head. They were previously summoned on September 27 but did not appear before the agency.

They are now required to present themselves today to provide statements. This action follows a complaint filed by Advocate Amit Vyas concerning the alleged black marketing of tickets for the Coldplay concert.



According to Mumbai Police, the complaint alleges that tickets for Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India were being resold at exorbitant prices. The original ticket price was Rs 2,500, but resellers and influencers are reportedly selling them for up to Rs 3 lakh.

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BookMyShow responded to the allegations through a spokesperson, stating, "With 13 million (1.3 crore) fans eager to get tickets and logged in, emotions ran high on September 22nd on BookMyShow for Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India."

The company added that they had taken measures to ensure fair ticket distribution by limiting purchases to four tickets per user and adding a third Mumbai show due to high demand.The spokesperson also addressed the issue of unauthorized platforms selling tickets.

"BookMyShow has no association with any such unauthorized ticket selling/reselling platforms including but not limited to Viagogo and Gigsberg or third-party individuals for the purpose of reselling Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India."

The spokesperson also noted that due to unprecedented demand, a third Mumbai show was added: "We implemented a queueing system to manage the overwhelming demand and addressed issues, causing a brief delay, but ensuring minimal disruption for genuine fans. Due to the unprecedented demand, a third Mumbai show was added shortly thereafter, which also received a fantastic response."

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Concerning black marketing, the spokesperson stated, "Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice." They confirmed that the company had filed a complaint with the police and was cooperating fully with the investigation.

Advocate Amit Vyas has accused BookMyShow of deceiving the public and Coldplay fans and has requested the police to register an FIR on fraud charges. The EOW has recorded Vyas' statement and identified several brokers allegedly involved in ticket scalping. Further investigations are ongoing, and more summons are expected to be issued.

According to Vyas, tickets that were originally priced at Rs 2,500 are being resold by third parties and influencers for as much as Rs 3 lakh. He has alleged that BookMyShow deceived the public and Coldplay fans, and is seeking an FIR to be registered against the company on fraud charges.

The EOW has already recorded Vyas' statement and has identified several brokers involved in the alleged ticket scalping. Further investigations are underway, and more individuals are expected to be summoned in connection with the case.

The Coldplay concert, set to take place from January 19 to 21, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium, is one of the most eagerly awaited events

The Coldplay concert is scheduled to take place from January 19 to 21, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium.