Messi Kolkata visit ends in chaos; organizer under probe
Messi Kolkata visit ends in chaos; organizer under probe
Investigators scrutinize crowd access and security lapses as Messi's Kolkata appearance drew disorder and questions over oversight.
What promised to be a spectacular moment in eastern India quickly turned chaotic as Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit drew thousands to Salt Lake Stadium to witness the Argentine icon unveil a 21‑meter statue of himself. Instead of a smooth spectacle, the event was marred by disorder, with fans jostling for a glimpse and some reports of vandalism during the proceedings. The scene highlighted how large crowds can overwhelm even high-profile protections when crowd management gaps exist.
Satadru Dutta, the event's main organiser, told investigators that Messi was unhappy with being touched or hugged during his appearance, and that the footballer's foreign security team had conveyed concerns in advance about the level of access to the star. Dutta said these concerns were not adequately addressed, and he is currently in custody as investigators probe the matter. The statements underscore tensions between public enthusiasm and strict security protocols at such high-profile appearances.
In the broader political dimension, West Bengal's sports minister Aroop Biswas was photographed in close proximity to Messi, and he has faced accusations of using influence to secure access for relatives and acquaintances. Amid mounting criticism, Biswas resigned from his post as sports minister while authorities pursue the investigation into the arrangements surrounding the event.
Authorities are also focusing on how such a large number of attendees gained access to the ground area despite public announcements urging restraint. Reports have touched on large payments linked to the event, including a figure cited in coverage as ₹89 crore, fueling allegations of mismanagement and prompting calls for greater accountability in handling mega-sporting events.
The episode has sparked discussion about security reforms and crowd-control standards needed for future international appearances in India, as organizers, security teams, and authorities review what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence in similarly high-profile events.
