Prime organiser of Messi event in Kolkata detained over 'mismanagement' after stadium chaos
The police detained Satadru Datta, the prime organiser of the Lionel Messi football event at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday. Chaos erupted at the stadium after spectators, who had paid hefty sums to see Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, protested after being unable to catch a clear glimpse of the legend as he remained surrounded by security personnel and others. The situation prompted the Argentine World Cup-winning captain to leave the field early. Datta was detained for alleged mismanagement of the event at the Kolkata airport, where he had gone to see off Messi and his entourage on their way to Hyderabad. We are looking into whether there was any mismanagement from the organiser's side, which led to the chaos at the stadium. He has been detained, and the police have now brought the situation under control, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar told PTI. The organiser has given in writing that he will refund the prices of tickets he sold to the disappointed spectators, Kumar added. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the mismanagement and announced a high-level probe into the incident. Apologising to Messi and fans, she said a committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) as members, would conduct a detailed inquiry, fix responsibility and suggest corrective measures. Henceforth, a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations, said Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose The Lok Bhavan official said the governor has also directed the state government to book the organiser under attempt to murder charges. Bose said the state government should find out how and who was behind making Messi a commodity. Messi is on a three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
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