Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The drama surrounding singer and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh’s show in the city continues even after its conclusion as Indore Municipal Corporation on Sunday seized the concert goods over alleged entertainment tax evasion.

While thousands of fans attended the event on Saturday night, many were left disappointed as the show lasted just one and a half hours. However, the bigger controversy erupted over tax payments, as IMC claimed it was owed Rs 50 lakh but received only Rs 7.75 lakh from the concert organisers.

Mayor-in-Council member Niranjan Singh Chauhan Guddu said that the concert goods were seized after the organisers failed to pay the entertainment tax in full. "They can pay the tax and get their goods," Chauhan said adding that the IMC didn't stop the concert from happening since it would have affected the people of Indore, who had already paid for their tickets. "We didn't stop the concert since the people of Indore had paid money for the tickets. However, in the morning, the authorities went to the concert venue and seized the concert goods," Chouhan said.

Issuing an explanation for the seizure of the concert goods by the IMC, he said that the organisers, a Delhi-based company, had only paid Rs 7.75 lakh entertainment tax through online transaction and submitted an affidavit ensuring that the balance would be paid the next day.

"They paid approximately Rs 7.75 lakh online to the municipal corporation and submitted an affidavit saying that they would pay the remaining amount the next day. When they didn't pay, on the instructions of the mayor, the officials sent a notice of Rs 50 lakh," Chauhan said.

IMC had issued a tax notice to the event organisers before the show, demanding 10 per cent of the ticket sales as entertainment and amusement tax.

According to IMC, data from the GST portal showed that tickets worth Rs 3.28 crore were sold, making the tax liability Rs 50 lakh.

However, the organisers argued that actual ticket sales were only Rs 80 lakh, with many tickets distributed as complimentary passes. Despite multiple warnings, the organisers did not clear the outstanding amount. Following this, on Sunday, the IMC team reached the venue and confiscated the entire sound system and other equipment, estimated to be worth Rs 1 crore.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav said earlier that they welcome people to conduct their events here by following the rules of getting permission on time and paying entertainment taxes on time. The mayor also noted that previously, a show by singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh was held in Indore, and the organiser left without depositing the required tax.

Organisers deny early show closure

Meanwhile, the concert organisers denied allegations that the show was shut down prematurely due to the tax dispute. The event saw Honey Singh perform 10 songs, drawing a massive crowd, but many fans were frustrated over the short duration.

Honey Singh describes

Indore as “city of poets” Honey Singh, who is currently on a 10-city India tour, has already performed in four cities, including Indore. After the Indore concert, he shared videos on social media, calling Indore the "city of poets" and showcasing his grand entry via helicopter.