Mumbai Police Cancels International Music Concert Over Security and Protocol Violations
Mumbai police have officially canceled the highly anticipated Circoloco live music show at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), citing significant law and order concerns and procedural lapses. The event, scheduled for Sunday, was called off after authorities determined that the organizers failed to adhere to mandatory security protocols.
Police Cite Late Application and Security Risks
According to police officials, the application for the event was submitted less than 15-20 days prior to the scheduled date, violating standard protocol. A senior officer from the BKC police station stated, "We rejected permission because the organizers did not apply within the required timeframe. This prevented us from conducting necessary background checks on staff and security personnel."
The police emphasized that this precaution is crucial following the Goregaon drug death incident, where security guards allegedly allowed drug peddlers into a concert. "We need adequate time to vet everyone involved to prevent such tragedies," the officer added.
Organizers' Perspective: Claims of Unfair Treatment
Harish Madhukurri, one of the organizers from Hyderabad, contested the police's decision. "We completed all documentation and submitted it to the police seeking permission. It took us five years to bring this international artist to Mumbai," Madhukurri told TOI.
He explained that they received a notice on April 15 stating they lacked a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from traffic police and faced law and order issues. "We obtained the traffic NOC on April 16, but then received another notice the same day denying permission due to law and order concerns," Madhukurri said.
Madhukurri alleged partiality, pointing out that other events in Mumbai have been permitted while theirs was canceled. "We assured police we would not serve alcohol or allow smoking inside. Why is there discrimination?" he questioned, referencing the Goregaon event where two deaths occurred as a possible reason for the denial.
Police Accuse Organizers of Misleading the Public
Police claimed that despite being informed of the cancellation on April 16, four days before the event, the organizers continued to accept bookings and collect money from the public. "They mentioned issuing tickets to 6,000 people, and we learned that over 4,000 tickets were sold," the officer said.
When police discovered that the organizers had not informed ticket holders about the cancellation, they compelled them to post details on social media on Sunday morning. "This was necessary to avoid a law and order problem," the officer emphasized.
Historical Incidents Influence Decision
The police decision was also influenced by past incidents at music concerts in Mumbai. They cited the chaotic event at Yo Yo Honey Singh's 'My Story - India Chapter' concert on March 28 at MMRDA Grounds in Bandra, where crowd control measures failed and laser lights were used in a no-flying zone, leading to an FIR.
"We did not want a repeat of such incidents, where barricades were broken and viewers charged at the stage," the officer stated, highlighting the need for stringent security measures.
This cancellation underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing cultural events with public safety in Mumbai, as authorities tighten protocols to prevent security breaches and ensure orderly conduct at large gatherings.
