Chaos at Messi Event in Kolkata: Chief Organizer Placed in 14-Day Police Custody

A local court on Sunday ordered Satadru Datta, the chief organizer of the Lionel Messi football event at Salt Lake stadium, to spend 14 days in police custody, according to an officer. Datta was apprehended by Bidhannagar Police on Saturday for “mismanagement” of the event at the Kolkata airport, where he had gone to bid farewell to Messi and his team as they headed to Hyderabad.

Datta’s legal counsel claimed in court that his client was being “victimized and framed,” the officer reported.

“We anticipate that the police investigation over the next 14 days will provide clarity,” said Datta’s lawyer.
BJP supporters staged a protest outside the court as Datta was brought in.

What should have been a standout football event devolved into significant violence and chaos at the stadium after Messi’s brief and highly restricted appearance, his first at the venue since 2011, left many attendees feeling disappointed.

Fans had traveled from various locations and paid substantial amounts for tickets yet were unable to catch a glimpse of their idol.

Additionally, police are looking into how organizers permitted the sale of bottled water and beverages within the stadium grounds, items that are prohibited during such events.