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Kolkata Stadium Chaos: Messi Event Probe Promises Swift Report Amid Fan Fury

The Bengal government's inquiry into the chaotic Messi event is underway, led by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray. Police are digging into how banned items like water bottles made it into the stadium, leading to fan unrest. The event's main organizer is now in custody as authorities work to untangle the management failures. Meanwhile, the fallout continues as officials try to ensure refunds for disappointed fans.

Key Points: Messi Kolkata Event Chaos Probe Committee Head Justice Ray Visits Stadium

  • Inquiry committee head Justice Ashim Kumar Ray visited Salt Lake Stadium to assess the chaotic scene
  • Police are investigating how unauthorized water bottles reached event stalls despite a ban
  • The main promoter, Satadru Dutta, has been arrested and sent to 14 days police custody
  • Angry fans vandalized the stadium after Messi left early, alleging poor management and VIP access
3 min read

Will submit our report as soon as possible: Committee head investigating Messi's event chaos at Salt Lake stadium

Retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray leads the inquiry into the chaotic Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event at Salt Lake Stadium, promising a swift report as police investigate.

"I have not formed any opinion, just I have visited the spot. I think this should not be done hurriedly. We will submit our report as soon as possible. - Justice Ashim Kumar Ray"

Kolkata, December 14

Retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, who is heading the inquiry committee formed by the Bengal government to investigate the chaos during the GOAT India Tour of Argentina's football icon Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium, visited the stadium on Sunday. He said that the committee would submit the report as soon as possible.

Speaking to reporters, Ashim Kumar Ray said, "I have not formed any opinion, just I have visited the spot. I think this should not be done hurriedly. We will submit our report as soon as possible."

Mukesh, Bidhannagar Police commissioner, said further arrests would be made after the people were identified.

Mukesh said, "We had asked for 14 days (remand of the main organiser), and we have been given 14 days. We are identifying the people involved. We will make arrests... The question arises as to why there were so many water bottles and how they reached the stalls, because we had not permitted water bottles. We had made this very clear during our social media live broadcast, so we had not given permission. So now we have to investigate this, and it is also part of the investigation how these bottles got there and who brought them in...We have started 2 cases."

"As far as the refund is concerned, a letter to Zomato has been sent stating that whatever money they have collected should not be given to the company with which they had a contract," he added.

The promoter and organiser of football star Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, was produced before the Bidhannagar Court on Sunday, a day after he was arrested over the incident.

He has been sent to 14 days of police custody.

Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into chaos on Saturday as fans who paid high ticket prices at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early. Angry fans resorted to vandalism at the Kolkata stadium, alleging poor event management and criticising VIPs and politicians for hogging the football icon's attention and time to the extent that fans did not even get a glimpse of Messi.

The situation escalated when angry fans attempted to enter the ground to vandalise the tent and the goal post. To control the situation, police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd from the ground.

Meanwhile, it was a memorable day for cricket and football fans alike present at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium as Lionel Messi graced the venue with his presence as a part of his 'GOAT India Tour' 2025 and met Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri and the country's 'Bharat Ratna', the cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The real issue is the VIP culture. The article says fans were angry because politicians hogged Messi's time. Why do our netas have to gatecrash every event? Common fans paid from their pockets, they deserved a proper experience, not just a glimpse from afar. 😠
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Aman W
Throwing bottles is never justified, no matter how angry you are. It puts players and other fans at risk. The police are right to investigate how the bottles got in. But the organizers promised a dream and delivered chaos. Full refunds should be mandatory.
P
Priya S
Contrast this with the Wankhede event! Messi meeting Sachin sir and Chhetri was so respectful and well-managed. Kolkata's event management needs to learn from Mumbai. It's not just about security, it's about planning and respecting the fans who are the real customers.
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David E
While the fans' frustration is understandable, vandalism is a criminal act. The police commissioner is correct to pursue arrests. A thorough inquiry is needed, but let's also ensure the punishment fits the crime, especially for the main organizer who is now in custody.
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Nikhil C
The Zomato angle is interesting. Glad the police are ensuring refunds by telling them not to release funds to the organizer's company. Hope the fans get their money back quickly. This whole "GOAT Tour" feels like a cash grab that backfired spectacularly.

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