Sat Dec 13 09:57:40 UTC 2025: News Article:

Messi Visit Turns Sour: Kolkata Stadium Vandalized, Organizer Detained After Fan Violence

Kolkata, India – December 13, 2025 – Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium following a visit by football superstar Lionel Messi, leaving the stadium vandalized and the event’s main organizer, Shatadru Dutta, detained by police. The violence stemmed from angry fans who purchased tickets for Messi’s G.O.A.T India tour, only to have their views obstructed by a large group of politicians and celebrities allegedly surrounding the player.

“We will take action against the mismanagement,” stated Director General of West Bengal Police Rajeev Kumar. He confirmed Dutta’s detention and pledged legal action, demanding organizers refund tickets to disappointed fans who were unable to see Messi.

According to authorities, the crowd became unruly after discovering their view of Messi was obstructed. Additional Director General of Police Jawed Shamim assured the public that peace had been restored and traffic normalized, emphasizing that the incident was confined to the stadium. An investigation is underway, and Shamim vowed to hold all those responsible accountable.

“We are taking the matter with all seriousness, it is a big incident, and we will ensure everyone responsible for what happened at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished and all kinds of action will be taken,” Shamim added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formed an inquiry committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, to investigate the incident. The committee includes the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the event’s organization and security measures.

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