Three more arrested in Messi event vandalism case at Kolkata stadium
Kolkata: Three additional individuals have been taken into custody by police in relation to the vandalism incident that occurred during Lionel Messi's promotional football event at Salt Lake Stadium here.
Authorities identified the latest detainees as Basudev Das, Sanjay Das, and Abhijit Das, booked under case No. 218/25 at Bidhannagar South police station. These arrests follow the earlier apprehension of event chief organiser Satadru Dutta, who was placed under 14-day police custody by a court on Sunday, along with two others—Subhopratim Dey and Gourab Basu—bringing the total number of arrests to five.
Bidhannagar Police hold Dutta and his associates accountable for inadequate crowd handling during Messi's short, security-heavy visit—his return to the 85,000-seat venue after 2011. The state counsel informed the court that the organisers' movements on the field obstructed views for fans in the stands, fueling anger among those who journeyed from various regions and shelled out steep ticket fees.
Dutta's defence attorney argued his client faced unfair targeting, yet the judge granted the custody extension. Outside the courthouse, BJP backers demonstrated by brandishing slippers in protest as Dutta was led away.
The disturbance intensified after Messi's tightly controlled stint from 11:32 to 11:52 AM, with boos starting at 11:48 AM amid blocked sightlines and VIP disruptions; enraged attendees damaged seats, goal nets, posters, and hurled bottles and chairs. Two FIRs now cover Dutta's group and unknown perpetrators, with investigators analysing CCTV recordings, calling in witnesses, and scrutinising vendors for prohibited goods such as bottled water and drinks.
A senior police official affirmed, “Those responsible for the vandalism will be arrested. Our investigation is ongoing to ensure accountability for the chaos at the event." West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar pledged comprehensive action, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee established a panel for ticket refunds and facility repairs. BJP protests persist, and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose called for asset freezes and victim payouts, while the tour proceeds to further destinations under heightened review.