The Bombay High Court on Friday granted bail to two employees of Nesco Ltd, arrested in connection with a fatal drug overdose case at a music concert held on the grounds of the Goregaon exhibition centre on April 11. Two management students had died in the incident. Police have so far arrested 12 accused, and investigations have revealed an alleged international drug supply racket linked to the case.
Bail Conditions and Arguments
The single-judge bench of Justice S C Chandak ordered the release of Balkrishna Kurup, Vice President of Live Events, and Sunny Jain, Manager, on a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh each with one surety. The duo had been arrested for alleged security lapses at the event, which was outsourced by Nesco to a third party, as per their bail plea. Both argued that neither they nor Nesco had any role in security arrangements and could not be held responsible for the incident.
Senior counsel Girish Godbole, representing the accused, stated that both men have been made scapegoats without any valid reason. He emphasized that no drugs were recovered from them and that the grounds of arrest were not communicated to their families. Both are currently lodged in Thane prison.
Prosecution's Opposition
Public prosecutor Shishir Hirey opposed the bail pleas, alleging connivance between the accused and event organizer Akash Shamal. He claimed that over 3,000 tickets were sold despite permission for only 400 rotation-based entries. He also cited the recovery of 933 ecstasy pills valued at over Rs 15 lakh from another co-accused, arguing that security lapses allowed drug peddlers to enter the venue unchecked. However, Godbole pointed out that Shamal had already been granted bail.
The High Court, after considering the arguments, granted bail to Kurup and Jain, with reasons to be recorded separately.
