David Guetta in Mumbai: Organisers Failed to Pay BMC Rs 10 Lakh

They didn’t give the police enough time for mandatory security clearance as well.

David Guetta during a performance. (Photo: Reuters)

For once, it’s not the fault of the police or the city municipality. The real reason behind the rescheduling of French DJ David Guetta’s show in Mumbai is the organiser, Percept Live’s failure to get timely clearances from the BMC, the MMRDA, the police and the collectorate.

According to a report by Mumbai Mirror, the organisers had failed to pay the BMC Rs 10 lakh for an earlier event and couldn’t give the police enough time to inspect the venue.

They had not paid the BMC Rs 10 lakh for a previous function. When they approached us for organising the concert at the Mahalaxmi Race Course this time, we told them they would have to pay in advance. Now they have cleared the dues.

Ajoy Mehta, municipal commissioner

But the payment came too late leading to BMC announcing the event as “unauthorised”. Thee sudden change of venue from the Race Course to Bandra-Kurla Complex also did not allow the police to conduct mandatory security checks.

We cannot compromise on the city’s security. One cannot come to the Mumbai police four-and-a half hours before the event. We have to conduct a security audit and an anti-sabotage check. These require time. We also refused to grant permission because they did not submit any security plan. There were other mandatory requirements which were not complied with.

Deven Bharati, joint police commissioner (law and order)

The organisers didn’t even approach the traffic police for clearance.

The show has now been rescheduled for Sunday at the BKC ground.

(Source: Mumbai Mirror)