Police arrested two men after a rampage at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata event and summoned firms involved in ticket distribution and logistics as the probe widened.
Spectators vandalised the Salt Lake Stadium. (ANI video grab)
Days after vandalism broke out at the Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi’s brief appearance in Kolkata, the Bidhannagar police on Monday arrested two men and summoned officials from six companies in connection with the incident. The episode has since snowballed into a wider investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the high-profile event.
According to a senior officer of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, South Bidhannagar police arrested the two men, Gaurav Basu and Shubhrapratim Dey, from the Nagerbazar area. They were arrested on the basis of CCTV footage from the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where the rampage took place on Saturday, police sources told IANS.
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‘Dark day’ for Bengal as Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit ends in chaos, vandalism – the turn of events
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The Kolkata Police have filed an FIR against the two accused under eight sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to obstructing public servants, grievous hurt to officials on duty, intentionally causing injury to government officials, and creating public nuisance. Additional sections have been invoked for damaging government property and disturbing public peace.
“Two people have been arrested. CCTV footage is being examined to identify others who had indulged in vandalism,” the senior police officer said, as quoted by IANS.
So far, police have arrested five people in connection with the case.
The violence was triggered by frustration among spectators after Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Angel Di Maria, appeared at the stadium for about 22 minutes.
During their appearance, the players were surrounded by a large crowd on the field, including West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas.
As a result, many spectators in the galleries failed to catch a glimpse of the footballers, leading to outrage. Soon after the players left the stadium, spectators tore down hoardings, alleging mismanagement. Bottles were hurled from the stands, chairs were damaged, the fencing around the pitch was broken, and sections of the crowd stormed onto the field.
Videos of the rampage have since circulated widely on social media and are being scrutinised by investigators.
In a parallel development, Satadru Dutta, identified as the main organiser of Messi’s Kolkata visit, was arrested at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Saturday. He has been charged with inciting violence, damaging property, causing injury, obstructing government work, and harassing government employees. A court has remanded him to 14 days of police custody.
The Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate has now summoned representatives of six companies connected with different aspects of the event’s organisation. Officials associated with Dutta’s company have also been asked to appear before the police on Tuesday.
According to police sources, the companies were responsible for services such as ticket distribution, supply of water and cold drinks, and other logistical arrangements. Investigators are expected to examine whether negligence or lapses in planning contributed to the chaos.
Meanwhile, the ticket distribution company has been instructed to freeze its accounts and ensure that no funds are transferred to Dutta’s firm, police said.
Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said the episode had “hurt the sentiments of football lovers” and described it as a result of “mismanagement and systemic failure”.
“Directions have been given for a judicial enquiry, refund of ticket charges, and arrest of all accused,” the Governor said, underscoring the seriousness of the state’s response.
The investigation is ongoing, and police said more arrests could follow as additional video footage and evidence are examined.
Messi event chaos: Bengal Guv to prepare spl report, suggest precautions for mega gatherings
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