What Happened with Messi's Event in Kolkata? Principal Organiser Arrested!
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Principal organiser arrested for chaos at Messi's event.
- High ticket prices and limited access angered fans.
- Police responded with a lathi charge to restore order.
- Judicial committee formed to investigate mismanagement.
- Refunds to be issued for tickets sold.
Kolkata, Dec 13 (NationPress) Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the grand event hosted at Salt Lake Stadium on the northern outskirts of Kolkata earlier today, featuring the Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, was taken into custody on Saturday following disorder and vandalism at the venue. This chaos stemmed from high ticket prices and limited access to the football legend, as reported by an official.
Additional Director General (Law & Order) Jawed Shamim confirmed the arrest and stated that a first information report (FIR) would be filed regarding the situation. “A comprehensive investigation will be conducted to uncover the origins of the mismanagement that led to this chaos. The police are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Anyone found accountable for the disorder will face legal action,” Shamim asserted.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the event organisers are required to facilitate refunds for the tickets sold.
Meanwhile, a senior police source revealed that Dutta was apprehended at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata while he was trying to exit the city. He is currently undergoing interrogation.
The turmoil erupted after frustrated fans, upset over restricted access to Messi despite purchasing tickets at what they deemed exorbitant prices, went on a rampage inside the stadium. As the situation escalated, police had to implement a significant lathi charge and deploy units from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to restore order. Consequently, Messi departed the stadium earlier than planned.
At the time of the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was en route to the stadium. However, upon learning of the disturbances, she instructed her driver to turn back. Shortly after, she announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the mismanagement leading to the chaos.
This probe panel will be chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray of the Calcutta High Court. The committee will also include the state Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, and the Additional Secretary to the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Nandini Chakraborty.
“The committee will undertake a thorough investigation into the incident, assign responsibility, and propose measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Once again, I sincerely apologize to all sports enthusiasts,” stated the Chief Minister.