Messi Event Chaos: Organiser Detained, Probe Ordered as CM Mamata Banerjee Apologises to Fans

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: Chaos at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, during a high-profile event featuring football icon Lionel Messi on Saturday escalated into a major law-and-order issue, prompting police action and a government-ordered inquiry.

Police detained the prime organiser of the event on allegations of mismanagement after thousands of fans gathered at the stadium, leading to overcrowding and disorder. According to officials, the situation went out of control due to inadequate crowd management measures, forcing police to intervene to prevent further escalation.

As criticism mounted from various quarters, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the lapses and announced a high-level inquiry into the incident. She directed the state administration to investigate the circumstances that led to the chaos and identify those responsible for the alleged failures in planning and execution.

“I am deeply disturbed by what happened,” the Chief Minister said in a statement, apologising to football fans who had gathered in large numbers but were unable to see the Argentine superstar. Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured that corrective steps would be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.