When Lionel Messi landed in India for a four-city tour, many expected it to be a landmark moment in Indian sporting history. However, things quickly spiralled out of control for sports organiser Satadru Dutta, who blamed sections of the administration, police, and political establishment for the chaos. In an explosive interview, Dutta revealed that he regretted bringing Messi to Kolkata, citing the risk of something happening to the football star as a major concern.
Dutta claimed that he followed all protocols and SOPs, but the police and administration failed to enforce security measures, allowing hundreds of unsolicited people to enter the ground and surround Messi. He also accused the sports minister of pressuring him for extra access and accreditation cards, and of turning the event into a private show.
Dutta spent 38 days in custody after the controversy erupted, but said he was never approached by anyone from the government or administration during that time. He has now vowed to take the legal route, filing defamation and damages cases against those responsible for the fiasco.
Dutta's revelations have sparked outrage, with many calling for an impartial investigation into the events surrounding the Kolkata Messi fiasco.
