Fresh controversy has erupted over the Lionel Messi 2025 Kolkata visit event after event organiser Satadru Dutta accused former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and ex-DGP Rajeev Kumar of security failures and administrative interference. The complaint revives questions over crowd chaos and vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium during the football icon’s appearance.
Quick Glance
- Satadru Dutta filed a complaint at Bidhannagar South Police Station
- Former minister Aroop Biswas and ex-DGP Rajeev Kumar were named in the allegations
- The complaint focuses on security breaches during Messi’s Kolkata event
- The Salt Lake Stadium incident had earlier triggered violence, arrests and a state inquiry
New Twist in Messi Kolkata Event Controversy
Agartala/Kolkata: The controversy linked to Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata has resurfaced months after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium. Event organiser Satadru Dutta has now lodged a formal complaint against former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, accusing him of interfering with security arrangements during the football event.
Dutta submitted the complaint at Bidhannagar South Police Station on Monday night. He also named former Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Trinamool Congress councillor Jui Biswas in the complaint.
The allegations relate to Messi’s much-publicised “GOAT India Tour-Kolkata edition” held at Yuva Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025.
Organiser Raises Questions Over Security Management
According to the complaint, Aroop Biswas allegedly entered restricted security zones without proper authorisation during the programme.
Dutta claimed that the alleged intrusion disrupted crowd management systems and weakened the security cordon created for Lionel Messi. He further alleged that administrative interference affected the overall coordination of the mega sporting event.
The organiser also accused authorities of failing to maintain discipline in restricted areas inside Salt Lake Stadium.
The complaint has intensified debate over whether proper planning existed for handling the huge crowd that gathered to see the Argentine football legend.
Salt Lake Stadium Chaos Sparked Massive Backlash
Messi’s Kolkata appearance initially generated huge excitement among football fans across India. Thousands of spectators filled Yuva Bharati Krirangan hoping to watch the World Cup-winning superstar.
However, the atmosphere changed quickly after Messi reportedly left the field within a short time.
Many spectators became agitated and chaos soon spread across sections of the stadium. Witnesses reported that angry fans threw chairs and bottles toward the field.
Several individuals also allegedly broke through gates and entered the pitch area. Stadium galleries and restroom facilities later showed signs of vandalism.
The incident drew widespread criticism from football supporters and political observers.
Satadru Dutta Earlier Arrested in Same Case
Police had arrested Satadru Dutta on the same day as the incident. Officers detained him at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata following the unrest at Salt Lake Stadium.
Authorities initially kept him in police custody for 14 days as investigators examined allegations of poor event management.
His first bail plea was rejected on December 28 after prolonged court proceedings. Later, the court shifted him to judicial custody.
After spending 37 days in jail, Dutta secured bail from a Kolkata court on January 19 this year.
Following his release, he publicly accused Aroop Biswas of interfering with event operations and compromising Messi’s security arrangements.
Political Fallout Hit Bengal Government
The controversy also triggered political consequences inside the West Bengal administration.
The state government formed a special inquiry committee to investigate crowd management failures and violence at the stadium.
As pressure mounted, Aroop Biswas eventually resigned from the post of Sports Minister. Several senior IPS officers, including former DGP Rajeev Kumar, also received show-cause notices over alleged lapses linked to the programme.
The latest complaint is expected to increase scrutiny on how authorities managed one of the biggest sporting events hosted in Kolkata in recent years.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| December 13, 2025 | Lionel Messi attended event at Salt Lake Stadium |
| December 13, 2025 | Violence and vandalism erupted inside stadium |
| December 13, 2025 | Satadru Dutta arrested at Kolkata airport |
| December 28, 2025 | Court rejected first bail application |
| January 19, 2026 | Dutta secured bail after 37 days |
| May 19, 2026 | Complaint filed against Aroop Biswas and Rajeev Kumar |
Fresh Complaint May Reignite Political Debate
The latest development could reopen political debate in West Bengal over administrative accountability and crowd management failures.
While police have yet to comment officially on the complaint, the allegations have again placed the Messi Kolkata controversy under public spotlight.
Observers believe investigators may now revisit several aspects of the event, especially allegations concerning security coordination and VIP access during the programme.
People Also Ask
Why did Satadru Dutta file a complaint?
He accused former minister Aroop Biswas and others of interfering with security and event management during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit.
What happened during Messi’s Kolkata event?
Chaos broke out at Salt Lake Stadium after spectators became upset over Messi’s brief appearance. The unrest later turned into vandalism.
Was any inquiry launched after the incident?
Yes. The West Bengal government formed a special committee to investigate the violence and management failures linked to the event. (Edited)