A major controversy has erupted around football icon Lionel Messi’s much-publicised visit to Kolkata after event organiser Satadru Dutta was arrested in connection with the chaos that broke out at Salt Lake Stadium.
Police have intensified their investigation into the financial dealings behind the event, including scrutiny of tax payments and funding sources, amid suspicions that unaccounted money may have been involved.
According to investigators, Dutta told the police that Messi was paid approximately ₹89 crore for the India tour, while around Rs. 11 crore was paid to the government as tax. He further claimed that the total expenditure on organising the event was close to Rs. 100 crore, with funds sourced from a mix of sponsorships and ticket sales.
However, senior officers involved in the probe said Dutta’s explanations have raised serious doubts. Preliminary scrutiny suggests that the amounts attributed to sponsors and ticket sales together account for only about 60–70 per cent of the claimed expenditure, leaving a significant gap that investigators are now examining closely. This discrepancy has prompted the police to explore whether black money or undisclosed funds were used to finance the high-profile event.
Following leads provided by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government, police carried out a raid at Dutta’s residence in Rishra on Friday. As part of the operation, around ₹22 crore was seized from his various bank accounts, which have since been frozen. Dutta has been under sustained interrogation for the past 48 hours, with the questioning led by security director Peeyush Pandey.
Despite the financial scrutiny, police officials clarified that Dutta has not yet made any direct admission regarding financial irregularities linked to the event. No senior SIT officer has officially commented on the investigation, citing procedural requirements and legal constraints.
In the meantime, the Bidhannagar Police have taken preventive steps by directing the online ticketing partner not to release ticket sale proceeds to Dutta or his company’s accounts, pending further investigation.
During questioning, Dutta reportedly made several controversial claims. He stated that although around 150 ground access cards were initially issued, the number was later tripled due to pressure from “multiple influential quarters.” This claim, however, has not been officially verified by the authorities.
Police sources also revealed that Dutta placed responsibility for the December 13 fiasco on nearly everyone associated with the event except himself. He allegedly told investigators that Messi was uncomfortable with being touched or crowded by unknown individuals seeking selfies, a concern that Messi reportedly conveyed to his personal security team. Despite repeated public announcements asking people to move away from the footballer, the situation allegedly spiralled out of control.
So far, two criminal cases have been registered in connection with the incident. A suo motu case has been lodged at Bidhannagar South Police Station, invoking charges related to creating public disorder, vandalism, inciting violence, and acts endangering public safety. Additionally, multiple non-bailable offences have been slapped on Dutta, significantly tightening the legal noose around the event’s chief organiser.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to further examine the money trail, tax compliance, crowd management failures, and accountability for one of the most chaotic high-profile sports events witnessed in the city in recent years.
Read More: SGST And CGST Dept. Must Coordinate to Avoid Parallel Adjudication: Himachal Pradesh HC
