Bengal Sports Minister Offers Resignation After Chaos at Messi ‘GOAT India’ Event in Kolkata

Kolkata | December 16, 2025 West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has offered to resign following chaotic scenes at football icon Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT India’ tour event held at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata last Saturday. The event, which was expected to be a highlight for fans and the football star alike, descended into mayhem when Messi left the stadium early due to alleged mismanagement. The large crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of the Argentine football legend, became frustrated when their view of Messi was obstructed by VIPs and other logistical issues. Reports indicate that some spectators resorted to vandalism, throwing bottles and chairs in protest. Fans had spent substantial amounts to attend the event, heightening the disappointment and anger over the disruptions. Following the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately ordered a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The main organiser of the event, Satadru Datta, was arrested on the same day for alleged lapses in managing the crowd and following standard operating procedures. The inquiry panel found serious violations, including breaches of stadium rules and authorisation lapses regarding the entry of water bottles into the venue. In addition, the West Bengal chief secretary issued a show-cause notice to DGP Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar. They were asked to explain the lapses that led to the chaos and given 24 hours to respond. The inquiry and subsequent actions indicate the government’s intention to hold senior officials accountable for the security and management failures during the high-profile event. Five people have been arrested in connection with the disturbance. They face charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assaulting police officials, obstructing public servants, and damaging public property. Relevant provisions of the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act were also invoked. In his letter to the Chief Minister, Aroop Biswas offered his resignation, taking responsibility for the lapses at the stadium. He emphasised that the chaos was unacceptable and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the fans and the disruption of the event. The resignation offer comes amid intense scrutiny of both the event organisers and law enforcement authorities responsible for maintaining order. The incident has raised questions about event management and crowd control during large-scale public gatherings in the state. With Messi leaving early and public anger escalating, the government is under pressure to ensure stricter measures for high-profile events in the future. Officials have indicated that they will review standard procedures and implement stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents from occurring again. The West Bengal government’s swift response, including forming an inquiry committee, arresting the event organiser, issuing show-cause notices to senior police officials, and accepting the sports minister’s resignation offer, reflects the gravity of the situation. The administration has stressed that accountability at all levels is essential to maintain public safety and trust, especially during events attracting large crowds and international attention. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding what went wrong, ensuring justice for those affected, and preventing similar chaos in future events involving international stars or high-profile gatherings in the state. Bengal Sports Minister Offers Resignation After Chaos at Messi ‘GOAT India’ Event in Kolkata West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has offered to resign following chaos at Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT India’ tour event at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. The football icon left the stadium early after alleged mismanagement, leaving fans frustrated and angry. Spectators, who had spent large sums to see Messi, faced blocked views due to VIP arrangements and other organisational issues. Some fans reacted by throwing bottles and chairs, leading to a chaotic scene at the stadium. The disturbance prompted immediate action from the state government. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level inquiry to probe the incident, and the event organiser, Satadru Datta, was arrested the same day for lapses in management and violating standard procedures. Following the panel’s report, the West Bengal chief secretary issued a show-cause notice to DGP Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, asking them to explain the lapses and respond within 24 hours. The inquiry revealed serious violations, including authorisation failures and mismanagement of crowd control. Five people have also been arrested in connection with the incident. They face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assaulting police officials, obstructing public servants, and damaging public property, along with relevant provisions of the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Acts. In his resignation letter, Biswas expressed regret over the disruption, taking responsibility for the event’s mismanagement and the inconvenience caused to fans. The government’s swift response highlights the seriousness of the matter and its commitment to accountability. The incident has sparked discussions on improving event management and crowd control for large gatherings in the state. Officials are expected to implement stronger safeguards to prevent such situations in the future, especially during high-profile events that attract international attention.