Police launch probe as Coldplay tickets hit $11,000 resale rate in India

Fans in India were left outraged after Coldplay tickets, originally priced between $30 and $417, sold out in minutes and reappeared online for as much as $11,000.

The band’s highly anticipated return to Mumbai in January has sparked a police investigation into alleged ticketing fraud, with officials seeking a statement from the CEO of the ticket vendor, BookMyShow.

The tickets for the January 2025 shows, marking Coldplay’s first-ever performances in India, sold out within minutes, leaving many fans disappointed and frustrated.

More than 700,000 people logged onto BookMyShow in an attempt to secure tickets, causing the site to crash.

Soon after, tickets were found being resold on third-party websites for inflated prices, prompting a complaint from local lawyer Amit Vyas, who suspected foul play.

Vyas reported the matter to Mumbai police, accusing BookMyShow of possible collaboration with “black marketeers” to profit from the ticket sales.

"I checked with nearly 100 people who regularly attend concerts, and none had managed to get a ticket,” Vyas said, raising concerns about the fairness of the ticketing process.

BookMyShow issued a statement strongly denying any involvement in unauthorised ticket sales. “We have no association with scalping or black marketing, and we oppose these practices, which are illegal and punishable by law in India,” the company said.

While the reselling of tickets on unauthorised platforms is illegal in India, the practice remains widespread and largely unregulated. Similar issues have plagued the global music industry, with events like the Oasis reunion and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour also facing scrutiny over ticket resale practices.

The investigation continues as fans hope for a resolution ahead of Coldplay’s January shows.