Kathmandu, December 14

Tension ran high in Durbar Marg-based Club Deja Vu last night after audience awaiting live performance by American DJ Marshmello went on a rampage.

Police said hundreds of angry ticket holders vandalised the club after the organisers said Marshmello could not attend the scheduled programme due to his health. Tickets for the live concert was priced at Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,500 and nearly 7,000 people were already in the club to enjoy the performance by Marshmello, SSP Dibesh Lohani, in-charge at Metropolitan Police Crime Division, told The Himalayan Times.

“The organisers have promised to refund the money if ticket holders claim the amount with evidence,” he said.

Meanwhile, police have arrested eight persons for allegedly misleading the audience. The suspects include the oganisers and club owners Jayan Shrestha, Prithu Baskota, Bishal Dangi, Mayank Khadka, Milan Shrestha, Rajiv Maharjan, Ritesh Marwadi and Akash Neupane. Baskota is a former national cricketer and the captain of Chitwan Tigers for the upcoming Everest Premier League.

SSP Lohani said further investigation was under way to establish the facts. SP Ram Dutta Joshi, spokesperson for Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu, said police were assessing the loss or damage the club incurred due to vandalism by the angry mob.

Meanwhile, Marshmello on his Twitter handle said, “I love you Nepal! I have been excited for weeks to come out here and play for you guys and experience this amazing country. Unfortunately I got food poisoning and did everything I could but was in no condition to play last night. We are rescheduling and I will be back soon. Please know it was not the club owner or promoters’ fault, they did everything they could for this show. Thank you all.”