The eagerly awaited Coldplay concert in Mumbai scheduled for January 2025 has been marred by ticketing controversies as millions of fans rush to secure their spots. In response to concerns over ticket scalping and unauthorized sales, online ticket aggregator BookMyShow announced on Thursday that it has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals and platforms involved in the black marketing of concert tickets.
In a formal statement released on October 2, 2024, BookMyShow indicated that it is actively assessing the potential cancellation of tickets sold “unethically.” The FIR follows an earlier complaint filed with the Mumbai Police on September 23, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to combat ticket scalping before any formal accusations were made against it.
The statement from BookMyShow urged the authorities to investigate the unauthorized resale of tickets, which has raised alarms among fans. The ticketing crisis comes as Coldplay prepares for three highly anticipated shows at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, as part of its “Music of the Spheres World Tour.”
The situation has led to widespread frustration among fans who took to social media to express their anger over limited ticket availability, with reports indicating that some tickets are being sold on the black market at inflated prices. The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is currently conducting an investigation into these illicit sales.
Earlier this week, the Mumbai Police recorded a statement from Anil Makhija, the Chief Operating Officer of BookMyShow, in connection with the ongoing investigation. In light of the controversy, the company has reassured fans that Coldplay’s performances in India will proceed as planned. “Reports contrary to this are factually incorrect,” BookMyShow stated, aiming to quell rumors surrounding the concert’s cancellation.
Additionally, BookMyShow has provided authorities with details of all resellers brought to their attention, including independent individuals using social media platforms to sell tickets.
As the excitement builds for Coldplay’s return to India, the ticketing saga serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the live entertainment industry, particularly regarding the integrity of ticket sales.
Sources By Agencies