Mumbai Police Clears BookMyShow of Wrongdoing in Coldplay Ticketing Probe

Mumbai, 7th February 2025: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has concluded its inquiry into ticketing platform BookMyShow regarding allegations of malpractice in Coldplay concert ticket sales, determining that no irregularities occurred.

The investigation was initiated after a lawyer filed a complaint claiming that tickets initially priced at ₹2,500 were being resold for as much as ₹3 lakh. The complaint accused BookMyShow of unfair ticketing practices, including price manipulation and artificial inflation, and called for legal action.

Additionally, concerns were raised that ticket bots were allegedly used to restrict genuine buyers from purchasing tickets at the original price, allowing resellers to exploit the system. However, following a detailed investigation, authorities found no evidence to substantiate these allegations.

The controversy erupted when Coldplay concert tickets went live on BookMyShow on September 22, 2024, and reportedly sold out within 30 minutes. Frustrated users reported being logged out before the sale began, while others noticed resale listings offering tickets at exorbitant rates—sometimes 30 to 40 times the original price.

Despite these concerns, the Mumbai Police found no concrete proof of ticketing fraud, price gouging, or manipulation. As a result, the case has been officially closed.

In response to the allegations, BookMyShow released a statement clarifying that it does not partner with ticket resellers or third-party platforms for resale purposes.

Coldplay, the globally acclaimed British rock band, returned to India after an eight-year gap as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres’ World Tour, performing in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The band features Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, with their longtime manager Phil Harvey regarded as an honorary fifth member.