2 MBA students die after suspected MDMA overdose at Mumbai concert, 6 arrested

Two MBA students have died following a suspected drug overdose at a late-night music event held at the NESCO Centre in Mumbai’s Goregaon, triggering a major investigation and multiple arrests. Police have confirmed that six individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, while another student remains in critical condition.

The deceased include a 24-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, both enrolled in an MBA programme in Mumbai. A 25-year-old woman who attended the same event is currently undergoing treatment in a critical state. The incident occurred during a concert attended by around 3,000 to 4,000 people, including a group of 15 students, several of whom reportedly fell ill during the event.

Preliminary findings suggest that some members of the group had consumed MDMA, also known as ecstasy, before and during the concert, along with alcohol. At least three individuals began experiencing breathing difficulties around midnight and were rushed to nearby hospitals, where two of them later succumbed. Investigators believe the substance was supplied by fellow students, who have since been arrested along with the event organiser, a security staff member, and an alleged drug supplier.

Authorities have registered a case under provisions related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and further arrests are not being ruled out. Officials are also examining whether adequate precautions were taken by the event organisers to prevent drug use at the venue. The accused have been remanded in police custody as the probe continues into the source and distribution of the substance.

MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a psychoactive drug that alters mood and perception by increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. While it is often associated with heightened energy and emotional effects, it can severely disrupt the body’s temperature regulation, especially in crowded or high-activity environments. This can lead to serious complications including organ failure, making overdoses potentially fatal.