Kolkata, India – Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of Lionel Messi's recent visit to Kolkata, has been detained by police following chaotic scenes at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Argentine superstar's appearance, part of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025', was marred by crowd control issues and vandalism, prompting authorities to launch a probe into alleged mismanagement.
Dutta was taken into custody on Saturday as he was en route to Hyderabad. The detention was confirmed by Additional Director General (Law & Order) Jawed Shamim. West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar stated that police are investigating potential mismanagement by the organizer that led to the chaos.
The events at Salt Lake Stadium on Friday were meant to be a celebratory occasion for Indian football fans, but descended into disarray. Messi's planned lap of honor was cut short due to security breaches and crowd unrest. Organizers tightened security around Messi, but this left many fans with obstructed views and a fleeting glimpse of the star.
Satadru Dutta is a well-known figure in sports promotion, event management, and philanthropy in West Bengal. Hailing from Rishra in Hooghly district, Dutta initially worked in finance and investment before transitioning to sports. Over the years, he has been instrumental in bringing several international football icons, including Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cafu, to India. His organization is involved in sports marketing, celebrity management, and social initiatives, aiming to connect Indian fans with global sporting legends. Dutta had expressed ambitions to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to India in the future. The tagline "A Satadru Dutta Initiative" was used in all promotional material for the 'G.O.A.T. Tour'.
During the event, as tensions rose, Dutta made appeals over the public address system, urging fans to give Messi space. However, his pleas were largely unheeded, and Messi remained surrounded by security personnel.
Following the chaos, authorities have taken swift action. Governor of West Bengal, C V Ananda Bose, directed the state government to immediately arrest the organizers and sponsors of the event. Bose expressed his disappointment, calling it a "black day" for sports lovers in Kolkata and demanded that ticket money be refunded to spectators. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her dismay and apologized to the public. The state government has formed an enquiry committee, headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, to investigate the mismanagement.
ADG Jawed Shamim confirmed that an FIR has been registered and that Dutta has been arrested. He also stated that organizers are promising to refund ticket fees to fans, and authorities are working out the modalities. Rajeev Kumar stated that Dutta has provided written assurance of ticket refunds.
Union Minister of State for Education and BJP leader Dr. Sukanta Majumdar criticized the state government, citing administrative failure and called for the Chief Minister's resignation.
The police have instructed the organizer to refund ticket prices to the disappointed spectators. West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar assured that the situation is under control and that the mismanagement would not go unpunished, ensuring adequate compensation for the fans.
