Tue Dec 23 06:12:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A chaotic Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, India on December 13, 2025, led to vandalism and public outcry. Several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed, seeking a CBI investigation and ticket refunds. The Calcutta High Court has currently refused to transfer the probe from the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), stating the investigation is in its preliminary stage and there’s no clear evidence of bias or corruption. The court has directed the state government and event organizers to file affidavits, with a further hearing scheduled in February 2026. The event organizer has been arrested.
News Article:
Calcutta High Court Denies Request to Transfer Messi Event Investigation to CBI
Kolkata, December 23, 2025 – The Calcutta High Court has refused to transfer the investigation into the disturbances that occurred during Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour 2025 event at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. The decision comes despite several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and demanding ticket refunds for spectators.
The chaos erupted during the event after fans became agitated by poor crowd management and their inability to properly view the football superstar. Some fans vandalized the stadium.
A Division Bench, presided over by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe is still in its early stages, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the investigation is compromised. The court rejected the PIL petitioners’ request for interim relief, including a stay on the current investigation.
The court acknowledged arguments from the West Bengal government’s counsel, who stated that the event was organized by a private company, and the state was already taking action, including issuing a show-cause notice to the Director General of Police (DGP). The owner of the event management company, Satadru Dutta, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Lawyers for the petitioners questioned the source of funds for the event and raised concerns about the independence of the state-appointed inquiry committee. The court did note that the Chief Minister had publicly expressed regret over the fiasco.
The court has directed the state government and the event organizers to file affidavits responding to the petitioners’ contentions within four weeks, with petitioners given two weeks thereafter to reply. The case will be heard again in the week commencing February 16, 2026.
First Piper 