Four officials of a company involved in organising rock band Metallica's maiden concert in India have been arrested on charges of cheating even as the event by the celebrated American heavy metal band has been cancelled on "security grounds".
Hours after the concert failed to take off as scheduled on Saturday night and triggered chaos at the Leisure Valley venue with fans going berserk, police arrested four persons belonging to DNA network, the event management company looking after the show. They were arrested under sections 406 (breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, the police said. Those arrested include Ashok, Rajesh, Savia Faleio and Umesh.
The company said, "The band was notified that there was a serious question as to whether the show could proceed with regard to the safety of the concert audience". In view of the security considerations, Metallica could not play in Delhi.
"DNA Networks, and Metallica determined that there was a failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired, they reluctantly announced the postponement of the show until Saturday," the company said in a release.
"Unfortunately, on such short notice the promoters were unable to secure a permit for a show on Saturday, therefore DNA announced that Metallica would not be able to play in Delhi," it said.
DNA networks said it will be soon issuing a notification as regards to refunds. "Within the next 24 hours a notification will be issued by DNA Networks regarding the process for full refunds. Metallica is deeply disappointed with this news and will continue to send updates as additional details are determined and confirmed," it said.
Thousands of fans were yesterday left disappointed after organisers had announced postponement citing "technical" problems.
"F1 Rocks and Metallica regret to announce that due to technical difficulties the Metallica show at Gurgaon has been postponed until Saturday," a statement by the group had said. The statement said the group, considered the gods of rock, apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Hundreds of fans including from outside the National Capital Region had gathered in large numbers at the venue several hours before the concert was scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday night.
After the news of postponement was announced on stage, disappointed fans tried to vandalise the venue. They broke barriers, climbed onto the stage and tore posters.
Fans waited with bated breath to hear the band belt out their biggest hits from 'Nothing Else Matters' and 'Enter Sandman' to 'One' and 'Seek and Destroy'.
Metallica is in India to coincide with Formula One making its beginning for the first time in India. They are due to perform in Bengaluru on Sunday.
