In a significant development following the disruptive events at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, a Bidhannagar court has rejected bail for Satadru Dutta, the primary promoter and organiser of Lionel Messi’s “G.O.A.T. India Tour,” and ordered his remand to 14 days of police custody.
Dutta was taken into custody after being detained at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Saturday, leading to his formal arrest.
The judicial decision stems from widespread disorder and vandalism at the venue during the Kolkata segment of the tour. Frustrated attendees stormed the pitch and damaged stadium property after failing to catch a proper glimpse of the players, citing severe organisational shortcomings.
Spectators reported that the footballers were heavily encircled, blocking views for those who had purchased tickets in the stands. Additionally, despite the event being advertised to last several hours, the players reportedly departed the field shortly after arrival, following only a brief photo session.
In response, the West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has established an inquiry commission headed by Retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to examine the incident thoroughly.
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Officials are probing potential breaches in security protocols and event management failures, while suggesting that affected ticket buyers should receive full refunds as compensation.
During the court proceedings, Dutta’s defense team contended that he was being unfairly targeted and scapegoated, pleading for bail. However, prosecutors strongly opposed the request, emphasizing the necessity of custodial questioning to reconstruct the timeline of events and pinpoint accountability for the unrest and destruction.
The Bidhannagar court ultimately granted the police’s application for custody, denying bail and scheduling Dutta’s next appearance in line with legal requirements.
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