Book my show coo reveals that 1.2 lakh tickets purchased from Coldplay to resell (Image:BookMyShow)
Anil Makhija, BookMyShow‘s Chief Operating Officer revealed an important secret during a 7-hour interrogation that the platform had purchased 1.2 lakh tickets for Coldplay’s January concert to resell them. He was questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Thursday regarding allegations of fraud and selling tickets on the black market. Makhaija appeared again on October 3 with the necessary documents and data.
The EOW investigation found that BookMyShow listed tickets on their app for prices between Rs 2,500 and Rs 35,000. However, prospective buyers alleged that they were redirected to third-party websites like Viagogo, where tickets were sold at inflated prices. BookMyShow had posted on the social media platforms that the tickets purchased from BookMyShow were the only valid tickets.
🚨 PSA #MOTSWT pic.twitter.com/GaPhRX6g5p
— BookMyShow (@bookmyshow) October 1, 2024
The agency stated that they are trying to uncover details about ticket hoarding and unauthorized sales of the platform as alleged by complainants and fans. Individuals who purchased tickets may be included as witnesses to clarify the situation and provide evidence about the ticket-buying process. The EOW is probing allegations of fraud and black market sales as well. The team is further investigating to establish whether BookMyShow engaged in unethical practices and related scams.
Also, read| Coldplay Concert Tickets Being Sold For Lakhs On The Black Market – Akhilesh Yadav Reacts
The EOW had previously summoned BookMyShow’s CEO, Ashish Hemrajani, twice and also questioned Makhija on September 30 on account of the allegations of black market sales of Coldplay concert tickets. It was based on the complaint by Advocate Amit Vyas accusing BookMyShow of facilitating ticket black marketing for the Coldplay concert scheduled for January 18 and 19, 2025.
The ticket was originally priced at Rs 2,500 but it was resold by third parties and influencers for up to Rs 3 lakh. Vyas claims that BookMyShow deceived the public and Coldplay fans seeking an FIR for fraud practices. The EOW has recorded Vyas’ statement and identified several brokers involved in ticket scalping through various platforms including social media and the investigations are underway with more individuals expected to be summoned on account of the case. It was said that the BookMyShow’s representatives would provide statements to the investigating officer on Saturday about the ticket scandal.
Also, read| BookMyShow CEO Summoned By Mumbai Police Over Coldplay Ticket Scandal
