Dutta was arrested at Kolkata airport shortly after the incident and produced in court amid heightened security. Acting suo motu, the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing public disorder, vandalism and endangerment of public safety. Investigators told the court that custodial interrogation was required to determine lapses in crowd management and security planning during the high-profile event.
According to police records, charges have been invoked under Sections 192, 324(4)(5), 326(5), 132, 121(2), 45 and 46, among others. These relate to creating unrest, spreading violence, damaging public property and engaging in acts deemed prejudicial to public order. The court granted police custody after hearing submissions from the prosecution.
The unrest erupted at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, during Messi’s brief appearance. Thousands of fans from across West Bengal and other states had gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon. However, spectators alleged that Messi was surrounded by a large group of VIPs for nearly 20 minutes after entering the stadium, leaving the galleries without a clear view.
Frustration soon spilled over into violence, with bottles thrown from the stands and chairs vandalised. Messi and accompanying dignitaries were rushed off the field, after which the situation deteriorated further, causing extensive damage inside the stadium.
Police have sought CCTV footage from the venue as part of the investigation. A probe committee has also inspected the stadium, while West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant visited the site to assess the situation.
Authorities said the investigation will focus on accountability, crowd control failures and compliance with safety protocols, as they seek to prevent a recurrence of such incidents during major public events.
