Mumbai Police Cancels Major International Rave, Unveils New Security Squads
An international underground house and techno music event, Circoloco, which was scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Sunday, was abruptly cancelled just hours before its start. The BKC police denied permission for the event, citing significant law and order concerns related to crowd management. This decision comes amid a growing controversy following the tragic deaths of two MBA students, who reportedly consumed ecstasy pills at a live music concert in Goregaon (East) last week.
New Police Squads to Enhance Event Security
In response to the incident, the Mumbai police have announced the formation of three types of special squads in the western suburbs to monitor venues hosting live shows and music concerts. These squads will cover areas from Bandra to Oshiwara, Andheri to Powai, and Sahar to BKC, which fall under zones 8, 9, and 10. The squads are designated as anti-drug, anti-harassment, and anti-theft units.
A circular issued on April 14 by Additional Commissioner of Police (West Region) Paramjit Singh Dahiya directs senior officers from 21 police stations to establish these squads. They will oversee concerts featuring both Indian and international artists, including bands and DJs.
Detailed Deployment and Operational Guidelines
The circular outlines specific deployment strategies based on crowd size:
- For events with up to 2,000 attendees, each squad will consist of two teams, with each team comprising one officer and four constables.
- For larger gatherings, the number of teams will scale proportionately. For example, four teams per squad for 4,000 attendees and six teams for 6,000 attendees.
Police personnel are instructed to maintain a courteous and professional demeanor while ensuring minimal inconvenience to attendees. However, they must remain vigilant, closely monitor suspicious activities, and take legal action when necessary.
Financial and Logistical Arrangements
The costs for deploying these squads must be borne by event organizers and collected in advance, in line with rates prescribed by police headquarters. All collections must be properly recorded in official registers. Additionally, security personnel may be deployed in and around event venues as required, with organizers responsible for the associated costs.
Senior police inspectors have been tasked with strictly enforcing these directives, ensuring that squads—comprising at least two personnel, or more depending on crowd size—are deployed at every event within their jurisdiction.
Background and Ongoing Measures
The move follows the deaths of the two MBA students, who are believed to have consumed ecstasy tablets at a music concert. Billed as the iconic Ibiza rave's debut in India, Circoloco was expected to attract over 4,000 ticket holders before its cancellation.
An officer from a police station in the western suburbs noted that plainclothes officers are already deployed at events to maintain vigilance. Organizers are also provided with a list of dos and don'ts when permissions are granted. The police are awaiting detailed instructions from the latest circular to plan further action.
