Messi event organizer arrested after chaos at Kolkata Salt Lake Stadium

Kolkata: The Kolkata Police have arrested event organizer Satadru Dutta in connection with the chaos that broke out during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi’s programme at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The arrest followed hours of questioning after large-scale mismanagement led to disorder inside the stadium, forcing the event to end abruptly. According to police officials, Dutta was initially taken into custody for questioning soon after the incident and was interrogated for nearly two hours before being formally arrested.

The police stated that a preliminary investigation is underway to determine lapses in crowd management, security arrangements and overall event planning. Authorities have confirmed that the situation at the stadium is now under control and directions have been issued to ensure ticket refunds to aggrieved spectators.

Addressing the media, ADG and IGP Javed Shamim said the state government has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident. The committee will be headed by retired High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray and will examine the sequence of events, responsibility of the organisers and possible violations of safety norms.

The incident has also drawn a public response from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who issued an apology over the mismanagement. Expressing shock over the developments, Banerjee said she deeply regretted the inconvenience caused due to organisational failures. She apologised to Lionel Messi, football lovers and fans across the country, calling the incident unfortunate and avoidable.

The programme was part of Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour of India and was held at the Salt Lake Stadium amid massive public interest. Ticket prices ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, and despite the high cost, thousands of fans turned up hoping to see the football icon. However, the event reportedly lasted barely 10 minutes, triggering anger and frustration among spectators.

As per the original schedule, Messi was expected to take a lap around the ground and acknowledge fans. Due to the chaotic situation, he exited the stadium quickly. Enraged fans began throwing chairs and water bottles onto the field, alleging poor organisation and preferential access given to politicians and celebrities. Several spectators complained that despite paying hefty amounts, they could not even catch a proper glimpse of Messi.

The incident has raised serious questions about event management standards and accountability, with the ongoing investigation expected to fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures to prevent such lapses in future high-profile events.

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