In the wake of unprecedented chaos during a football event featuring global icon Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata Police have arrested the chief organizer, Shatadru Dutta, holding him responsible for large-scale mismanagement that triggered violent scenes inside the venue. Authorities have also assured that spectators will receive refunds for their tickets.
Dutta was arrested from Kolkata airport while he was there to see off Messi and other members of the visiting delegation, who were scheduled to depart for Hyderabad. The arrest followed widespread disorder during the event, which forced the Argentine World Cup–winning captain to leave the stadium much earlier than planned.
West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar confirmed the arrest and said strict action would be taken against all those found guilty. “There was serious negligence in organizing the event. A thorough investigation is underway, and ticket money must be refunded to the spectators. No one responsible will be spared,” he said.
Stadium Descends Into Chaos
Saturday began with Kolkata celebrating Messi’s arrival, but the mood quickly turned ugly as severe crowd mismanagement came to light at the Salt Lake Stadium. Despite paying thousands of rupees for tickets, a large number of fans were unable to see their footballing hero. Messi’s early exit from the field further enraged the crowd.
The situation spiraled out of control as angry spectators hurled bottles, broke chairs, tore down fencing gates, and hundreds stormed onto the pitch. Fires reportedly broke out inside the stadium, and despite police baton charges, security personnel struggled to regain control. The stadium resembled a battlefield for several hours.
Government Orders Probe, FIR Process Underway
Addressing a press conference, DGP Rajeev Kumar, accompanied by ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim, announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Organizers have been asked to submit written explanations, and legal action will follow based on the findings. The process of registering FIRs is currently underway.
“Fans were cheated. Their anger is understandable. We are ensuring their grievances are addressed,” Shamim said, adding that determining responsibility would take time but accountability was inevitable.
Mamata Banerjee Apologizes to Messi and Fans
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the mismanagement and publicly apologized to Lionel Messi, his fans, and sports lovers across the country. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said she was on her way to the Salt Lake Stadium when the incident unfolded.
“I humbly apologize to Lionel Messi, his supporters, and all sports enthusiasts for this unfortunate incident,” she said.
The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Asim Kumar Ray. The committee will include the Home Department’s Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Hill Affairs Department. It has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation, fixing responsibility, and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The episode has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a landmark sporting celebration and raised serious questions about event management, crowd control, and accountability in high-profile international events.
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