Sports organiser Satadru Dutta, who organised football star Lionel Messi’s much-hyped ‘GOAT Tour’ to India, has filed a case against former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and ex-DG Rajiv Kumar over the chaotic event.
Messi’s visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 descended into chaos when a large number of VIPs and officials entered the venue allegedly without valid access. Many spectators who had bought expensive tickets said they could not properly see Messi due to mismanagement, and the footballer’s quick departure sparked widespread disorder as angry fans vandalised the stadium.
The incident triggered a political storm at the time, with Aroop Biswas coming under fire for alleged lapses in planning and management of the event.
Satadru Datta was arrested in connection with the incident and spent 37 days in custody before securing bail.
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What Did Dutta Say After Arrest?
Months after his arrest, Dutta claimed that he was made a ‘scapegoat’ in the controversy for no fault of his and accused Biswas of interfering with the functioning of the event and of pressuring the organisers to issue an extra access pass.
After the TMC’s defeat in the recent elections, Dutta vowed to sue the party for disrupting years of work and damaging his reputation. He also expressed his desire to bring Messi to Kolkata again in the future, besides organising a visit by Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
BJP Govt To Probe Messi Event Chaos
Recently, West Bengal sports minister Nisith Pramanik said the BJP government has decided that the people who sabotaged the GOAT Tour will not be spared.
Pramanik said the government would examine all aspects of the episode, including ticket sales, security arrangements and alleged administrative lapses during Messi’s visit to Kolkata.
“What happened was extremely unfortunate and condemnable. I have asked for the files related to the Messi incident. We will examine the matter thoroughly and then discuss it with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. If any corruption or irregularity is found, necessary action will be taken,” Pramanik said.
He also accused the TMC of promoting nepotism and corruption, alleging that the previous state government ignored the Centre’s offers of decent coaches and training support. He also announced that the government will remove the controversial football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium.
(with inputs from PTI)
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