Akon concert in city may be a Bryan Adams repeat

Thousands of fans of R&B singer Akon may be in for a huge disappointment as his first concert in the country, to be held in Gurgaon on April 16, is yet to get a clearance from the police department. Faizan Haider reports.

Thousands of fans of R&B singer Akon may be in for a huge disappointment as his first concert in the country, to be held in Gurgaon on April 16, is yet to get a clearance from the police department.

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With less than a week to go for the show, the organisers have not applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) till now. The show is scheduled to be held at Leisure Valley grounds in Sector 29, Gurgaon.

Around two months ago, the Delhi Police had refused to give a no-objection certificate (NOC) to a show by singer Bryan Adams which finally had to be cancelled.

“The issue could escalate as an NOC from the police is necessary for any event. Since this event involves an international artist, a large number of visitors are expected and we need to inspect the venue. Without our nod, organisers cannot hold the show,” Gurgaon joint commissioner of police Alok Mittal said.

“We are aware of what had happened in Delhi and security needs to be reviewed in such concerts,” Mittal added.

“We have given the area on rent and it is their job to take the NOC from the departments concerned,” Huda administrator Nitin Yadav said.

Sujit Jain, managing director, Netsurf Entertainment which is organising the concert, said, “All documents have been submitted to the government authorities. All permissions will be granted by early next week. The Huda Grounds is known to be a good location to hold concerts. Akon's show will

be a success with due co-operation received from all government bodies. We are expecting a turnout of more than 10,000 fans.”