Kasaragod : Police have registered a case against the organisers of a music concert that was halted midway on Sunday night after overcrowding triggered chaos and discomfort among attendees in Kasaragod.

The event, featuring Malayalam singer Hanan Shaah, was held as part of an expo at a ground near the private bus stand in Kasaragod. According to police, around 16 people were admitted to the hospital after they experienced breathing difficulties and dizziness due to the heavy crowding.

Police intervened and stopped the concert as spectators refused to disperse, eventually forcing the crowd to leave the venue.

A case has been filed against the organisers — Shahzaman Thottan, Nawalu Rahiman, Haris Aboobeckar, Khalid ED, Jubair and others from the organising committee. The FIR noted that permission was obtained for an expected gathering of only 5,000 people.

However, after assessing the temporary stage and the premises, the police granted permission for only 3,000 people and issued a written warning to prevent overcrowding, the FIR said.

According to the FIR, despite this, organisers allegedly sold tickets to more than 10,000 people in violation of the police instruction.

The case has been registered at Kasaragod Police Station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 125 (endanger human life), 125(a) (endanger life or personal safety when hurt is caused), 189(3) (unlawful assembly), 3(5) (joint criminal liability) and Kerala Police Act 118(e) (knowingly doing an act that causes danger to the public).

Police officials said the organisers have been summoned for interrogation, and that further legal action will follow. PTI