Messi Kolkata show derailed by influential figure, crowd-control lapses
Messi Kolkata show derailed by influential figure, crowd-control lapses
Messi's Kolkata appearance faces scrutiny over security lapses and a high-profile arrival that altered access and sparked financial questions across the tour.
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's Kolkata appearance is under a cloud after the main organiser, Satadru Dutta, told investigators that Messi disliked physical contact and departed before the scheduled end of the program. The claim points to concerns from security officials protecting the star, who reportedly felt crowded and touched in ways that were unacceptable to him.
Investigators say that an influential person at the stadium changed crowd access, allowing more people into restricted areas. Dutta said ground passes were increased from 150 to a much larger number after a very influential person arrived, overpowered the ground controller, and altered access dynamics. Police are examining whether the surge in passes contributed to the crowd control breakdown.
Public visuals showed the West Bengal sports minister at the event, with reports accusing him of using his position to allow relatives and acquaintances closer to Messi. He resigned from his post pending the investigation.
The probe is widening to financial questions tied to the tour. Messi reportedly earned about 89 crore rupees for the India leg, with 11 crore paid in tax. Investigators are examining unaccounted cash for photographs with Messi, opaque ticket sales, and other potential irregularities totalling around 100 crore.
Authorities also conducted a search at the chief organiser Satadru Dutta s residence, uncovering a lavish home with a pool and a soccer ground. Dutta has been arrested, and investigators continue to piece together what went wrong and who may have benefited financially.
The episode has raised questions about security planning and event management in large stadiums in Kolkata as the tour continues nationwide.
