Mumbai DJ Gig Halted: Police Mix-Up Sparks Outcry

A techno music concert by German DJ Stella Bossi at the AntiSocial club in Lower Parel, Mumbai, was interrupted on Friday night by state excise officials. This action led to a public outcry after attendees mistook the uniformed officers for Mumbai Police. DJ Stella Bossi, who boasts a significant Instagram following, posted a video of an officer signaling her to stop, expressing disappointment about the abrupt end to her set. Angry spectators voiced their frustration online, wrongly attributing the stoppage to the police. A senior police official later clarified that the police department was not involved, identifying the uniformed personnel as being from the excise department. The excise department stated that the organizers had shifted the venue after being denied permission at the Cruise Terminal and failed to obtain the necessary one-day club license for the new location. This license is crucial for assessing floor area against expected attendees, as well as checking emergency exits and fire safety arrangements. Excise officials intervened around 8:00 PM, noting they reached the venue three hours after the event began, contrary to claims of 50 minutes. The incident underscores that a venue licensed to serve alcohol may not automatically be permitted to host large ticketed parties, emphasizing the importance of venue-specific safety clearances and emergency preparedness.