Lionel Messi event organiser detained, trying to ensure refunds for fans: West Bengal DGP

The main organiser hosting renowned footballer Lionel Messi in Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday (December 13, 2025), Shatadru Dutta, has been detained after violence erupted among fans during the event, Director General of West Bengal Police Rajeev Kumar said.

“We will take action against the mismanagement we have seen from the organisers’ side, with their security team and press team running around. We already detained the organiser,” Mr Kumar said on Saturday (December 13, 2025).

During the event, angry football fans who had bought tickets to catch a glimpse of Messi in the Kolkata leg of his G.O.A.T India tour, turned violent after their view of the footballer was completely blocked by a crowd of around 70 to 80 politicians and celebrities allegedly surrounding Messi till his departure from the venue.

“We have already told the organiser, he is giving in writing that the tickets which have been sold should be refunded… A lot of fans must have felt that they would see Messi playing, but couldn’t. We expect that the organisers will come through as far as the refund of the ticket is concerned. We will make sure legal action is taken,” Mr. Kumar said.

Jawed Shamim, Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, said that peace has been restored in the stadium area, traffic has been normalised, and spectators have returned home safely. He added that a First Information Report (FIR) is being prepared.

“No arson or vandalism has taken place outside. The incident has been localised and limited to Salt Lake Stadium. An investigation has started. We are taking the matter with all seriousness, it is a big incident, and we will ensure everyone responsible for what happened at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished and all kinds of action will be taken,” Mr. Shamim said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also constituted an enquire committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members, to probe the incident.