Key Points
- Event organizer Satadru Dutta arrested and remanded to 14-day police custody following stadium stampede
- Heavy security deployment at Dutta’s Rishra residence in Hooghly district to prevent fan retaliation
- Fans vandalized Salt Lake Stadium property after failing to see Messi despite buying expensive tickets
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized and announced a high-level inquiry committee
- Organizers provided written assurance for full ticket refunds to all affected spectators
- Situation now under control with enhanced security measures across the city
Police arrested Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of the “GOAT India Tour,” from Kolkata airport immediately after Saturday’s disastrous event. A court has now remanded him to 14-day police custody as investigators examine potential negligence and fraud charges. The Chandannagar Police Commissionerate has deployed additional forces outside Dutta’s Bangur Park residence in Rishra, anticipating further protests from angry fans who paid premium prices for tickets.
The stampede erupted when approximately 60,000 ticket-holders realized Messi would not make a public appearance at the stadium. Fans alleged that organizers continued selling tickets even after knowing the football legend’s schedule had changed. VIPs and special pass holders occupied prime areas, blocking views and creating bottlenecks at entry points. The situation deteriorated rapidly as frustrated supporters, some of whom traveled from neighboring states, began tearing down barricades, smashing LED screens, and destroying promotional materials.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to the social media platform X on Sunday morning to issue a public apology. She described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable” while announcing a three-member high-level inquiry committee headed by a retired High Court judge. The committee has been tasked to submit its report within ten days and recommend action against all responsible parties, including government officials who may have granted permissions without proper verification.
Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar confirmed that the organizers have submitted a written undertaking promising full refunds to all ticket holders. The refund process will begin within 48 hours, with fans required to submit their tickets and payment proof through a dedicated portal. Kumar acknowledged that crowd management protocols failed, with police initially unprepared for the scale of disappointment and anger.
The football legend’s management team has remained silent about the incident. Messi was reportedly in Kolkata for a brief private commitment, not a public appearance, which contradicts how the event was marketed. All promotional materials prominently featured Messi’s images with slogans suggesting fan interaction opportunities. Legal experts suggest this could form the basis for criminal charges of cheating and misrepresentation against the organizers.
Political opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the state government. BJP leaders demanded the resignation of the sports minister, while CPI(M) leaders called for a judicial probe. The incident has raised serious questions about celebrity event regulations in West Bengal, with authorities now considering mandatory escrow accounts and stricter verification processes for high-profile international personalities.
Security across Kolkata remains on high alert. Rapid Action Force personnel have been stationed at key locations, and police are monitoring social media for calls to further protests. The administration has appealed for calm while promising that no responsible party will escape punishment. Football fan clubs have organized peaceful candlelight vigils demanding accountability and better consumer protection laws for entertainment events.
