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The latest report coming in is that police in Kolkata have arrested the organiser of Saturday’s event around Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s visit at the Salt Lake stadium, where fans got violent as he only stayed for a few minutes and was not visible to most attendees. Fans had paid plenty of money to catch a glimpse of the Argentina super star.
There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he’s not playing. The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave,” West Bengal director general of police Rajeev Kumar told news agency PTI. “Now the government has already constituted a committee that will look into all aspects. The state police chief said the organisers are “giving in writing” that tickets would be refunded. “Now the situation is under control,” he said.
Tickets were sold at upwards of ₹4,000, up to ₹25,000. The organiser’s arrest was confirmed by additional DGP (law and order) Jawed Shamim. “The FIR has been lodged, and the chief organiser has been arrested,” he told news agency ANI.
Local media reports confirmed that the man arrested is Satadru Dutta. Messi’s brief visit to the city turned into chaos as angry fans broke security protocols after failing to catch even a glimpse of the world’s best footballer during his 22-minute appearance at the Salt Lake stadium in the morning.
A Lok Bhavan official said the governor was shocked to hear that the CM, who was scheduled to meet Messi at the Salt Lake stadium, had to return from midway. “When the CM had to return from midway, then it was quite a serious matter. There must be an immediate inquiry into it and the culprits must be arrested,” the official said. The governor said those who purchased tickets for the event must get a refund, charges should be levied on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public places, and police officers who did not take precautions should be suspended. CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern and apologised to both Messi and the fans via twitter.
