The highly anticipated ‘Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024’ by Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh began with a bang in Delhi, boasting two sold-out concerts that captivated the city. While the shows themselves were met with roaring applause and fervent fan adoration, a dark undercurrent of ticket scams and frustration marred the experience for many.
Fans Caught in the Crossfire
Despite the immense popularity of the concerts, obtaining tickets proved to be a daunting task. Fans reported spending hours navigating online ticketing platforms, only to encounter endless queues and limited availability. Some fans expressed sheer luck in securing tickets, while others found themselves victims of deceitful ticket sellers.
“It was pure luck that I got the tickets,” shared a fan, highlighting the fervent demand for tickets. “My favorite Diljit song is with Gurdas Maan, ‘Ki Banu Duniya Da’, and my current favorite is ‘Born to Shine’.”
However, not all fans had a rosy experience. Many shared accounts of being scammed with fake tickets, enduring grueling hours in the pursuit of legitimate ones, and ultimately being heartbroken by their inability to see their idol perform. One concert-goer described the ordeal: “I struggled for nine hours on Zomato Live to get some tickets and finally got one. My girlfriend has another ticket, but she’s sitting on the other side. We’re in two different rows.”
For those who did secure tickets, the night wasn’t always smooth sailing. Several fans reported being denied entry at the venue as their tickets were deemed “invalid.” The frustration and disappointment were palpable, with some fans expressing their outrage to news agencies. “It was a total waste to come here,” lamented one dejected fan who was turned away by security. Another shared, “I came here without a ticket and met someone who sold me a fake one. They charged me a lot of money for it.”
ED Cracks Down on Ticket Scam
In response to the widespread reports of ticket fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru on October 26. The raids were focused on individuals allegedly involved in the illegal sale of tickets for both the Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh concerts. During the operation, the ED seized incriminating materials, including mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards, used in the scam. Additionally, information was gathered on individuals suspected of orchestrating the fraudulent ticket sales through various social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
The ED’s investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following multiple FIRs lodged across different states regarding the fraudulent ticket sales.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Tour Continues
Despite the shadow of the ticket scam, Diljit Dosanjh’s India tour has garnered immense success, setting records for the fastest-selling and highest-grossing concert event in Indian history. The tour, organized by Ripple Effect Studios and Saregama India, with ticketing handled by Zomato Live, has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans.
The Delhi concerts were just the beginning of a 10-city tour that will take Dosanjh across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, and more, culminating in a grand finale in Guwahati on December 29. The tour’s momentum is undeniable, with the singer captivating audiences with his infectious music and energetic performances.
However, the concert experience has been overshadowed for many fans due to the widespread scams. The ED’s investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the fraud and bring those responsible to justice. As Diljit Dosanjh’s tour continues, it remains to be seen if organizers can address the issues and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans in the remaining cities.
