Ahmedabad. A case involving alleged financial irregularities in ticket sales has emerged from the 2025 Norta Nagari Garba event held in the city. A partner associated with the event has alleged that complimentary tickets issued for sponsors and acquaintances were allegedly converted into saleable tickets and sold without the knowledge or consent of the other partners. A case has been registered against four people. The complaint alleges that the suspected irregularities may involve an amount of ₹8 crore to ₹10 crore.
The complainant, Arunbhai Gagabhai Bhutia, 36, filed the complaint on September 9. According to the complaint, Bhutia, Jigarbhai Chauhan, Krishna Gadhvi and Darshanbhai Shah were partners in the Norta Nagari Garba event. A notarised agreement was also executed through AAI Event on August 26, 2025. Under the agreement, the partners’ consent was required for key arrangements related to the event, including ticket distribution and sales.
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The complaint alleges that around 4,000 complimentary tickets were issued every day for sponsors, acquaintances and other associated persons. The tickets were not supposed to be sold or made available for sale without the consent of all partners. The complainant has alleged that Darshanbhai Shah had suggested selling a large number of tickets through an agency, but no formal agreement was executed for the arrangement.
The matter came to light when two unidentified men were allegedly found selling tickets at the event venue. According to the complaint, the men claimed that they had obtained the tickets through Umangbhai, who was associated with Ticket Tower Company. When inquiries were made, Umangbhai allegedly stated that the tickets had been provided by Darshanbhai Shah and that complimentary passes were also being offered for sale.
Questions were also raised over ticket figures after the event. The complaint cites data from the District platform and states that a total of 1,55,980 tickets were sold during the event, while 30,634 tickets were issued. Of these, 1,04,576 tickets were reportedly classified as complimentary. In addition, 3,857 tickets were issued at the venue and 16,913 through online sales.
The complainant has sought an investigation into the alleged discrepancy between ticket distribution and sales figures. The complaint further alleges that when Darshanbhai Shah was asked to explain the ticket sales, he denied involvement and allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Besides Darshanbhai Shah, the names of Jayeshbhai Parmar, Ravibhai Shah and Sanjaybhai Desai have been included in the case. The complaint alleges that the four acted together to convert complimentary tickets issued to sponsors and others into saleable tickets and sell them online. The complainant has alleged that the process generated crores of rupees without the knowledge or approval of the other partners.
Investigators are examining the partnership agreement, records of tickets issued and sold, online ticketing data, bank accounts and payment details. Intermediaries and agencies involved in ticket distribution may also be questioned. Investigators are trying to establish the actual number of complimentary tickets issued, how many were allegedly diverted for sale and how much money was generated through the transactions.
The authorities are expected to verify the allegations through documentary and financial evidence. Data obtained from ticketing platforms, bank transactions and communications among the people involved will be examined to determine the actual amount involved and the individual roles of the accused. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations are yet to be established through evidence.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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