Satadru Datta, the main organiser of the Lionel Messi's Kolkata event was taken into custody by Bidhannagar Police at Kolkata airport, where he had gone to see off Messi and his entourage on their way to Hyderabad
The unrest forced the Argentine World Cup-winning captain to leave the field early. Pic/PTI
Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested Satadru Datta, the main organiser of the Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium, following widespread chaos at the venue, the PTI reported.
The unrest forced the Argentine World Cup-winning captain to leave the field early.
Datta was taken into custody by Bidhannagar Police at Kolkata airport, where he had gone to see off Messi and his entourage on their way to Hyderabad, as per the PTI.
Police investigate cause of disorder
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar said a probe is underway to determine whether mismanagement by the organiser contributed to the disorder. “He has been detained, and the police have now brought the situation under control,” Kumar stated at a press conference, according to the PTI.
A senior police officer confirmed Datta’s arrest. Reports indicate that he and his manager were being interrogated at one of the airport departure lounges.
The organiser has also committed in writing to refund ticket prices to disappointed spectators.
Spectator frustration turns violent
What was expected to be a marquee football spectacle descended into chaos after Messi’s brief, tightly controlled appearance. Many spectators, who had travelled long distances and paid high ticket prices, were left frustrated at missing a clear view of the superstar.
Police reported that banned items, including bottled water and beverages, were sold inside the stadium. Thousands of bottles were reportedly thrown onto the pitch, and some spectators uprooted bucket seats and used them as projectiles against security personnel, as per the PTI.
Spectators alleged that bottles were sold at high prices inside the stadium despite being prohibited from being brought in from outside.
VIPs and restricted access aggravate situation
Tensions escalated further when VIPs, including State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, obstructed fans’ view of Messi during his limited time on the field, the PTI reported.
ADG, Law and Order, Jawed Shamim, warned that action would be taken against those responsible. “We are on the job, and will ensure that whoever is responsible for what happened today at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished, and action will be taken against the authorities concerned,” he said, according to the news agency.
(with PTI inputs)
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