Sun Dec 14 09:15:41 UTC 2025: Headline: Messi Event Organizer Arrested After Stadium Vandalism; Investigation Launched

KOLKATA, INDIA – December 14, 2025: Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of the recent Lionel Messi appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, has been arrested and remanded to 14 days of police custody. The arrest follows a chaotic scene on Saturday, December 13, where frustrated football fans vandalized the stadium after being unable to get a close look at the soccer superstar, despite holding expensive tickets.

The incident has sparked a widespread investigation. The West Bengal government has formed an enquiry committee, headed by retired Justice Asim Kumar Roy, to probe the cause of the vandalism. Members of the committee, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, visited the stadium on Sunday to assess the damage.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose also visited the stadium, stating that the events should be an “eye opener” and that he would be submitting his own report to the Government of India.

Meanwhile, political tensions are rising. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has called for the suspension and arrest of State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and Fire Minister Sujit Bose, alleging their involvement in the event’s mismanagement. Adhikari further criticized the FIR filed in the case, claiming it is designed to protect higher-ups within the Trinamool Congress party and demanded the investigation be transferred from state police to a central agency.

Locals reportedly shouted “thief” as Dutta was presented in court. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected.

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