‘BNS sections and PDPP Act invoked’ – Five arrested in Salt Lake Stadium vandalism case after Messi event chaos

This comes a day after Shatadru Dutta, the main organiser of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025, was denied bail by a local court in Bidhannagar in a separate case

Two arrested in Salt Lake Stadium vandalism case after Messi event chaos

This comes a day after Shatadru Dutta, the main organiser of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025, was denied bail by a local court in Bidhannagar and remanded to 14 days of police custody. (file)

Five persons have been arrested in connection with a vandalism case, registered after chaos broke out during footballer Lionel Messi’s event at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The case was lodged at the Bidhannagar South police station.

The arrested have been identified as Subhopratim Dey, Gourab Basu, Basudev Das, Sanjay Das, and Abhijit Das.

This comes a day after Shatadru Dutta, the main organiser of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025, was denied bail by a local court in Bidhannagar and remanded to 14 days of police custody. Dutta was arrested by Bidhannagar police at Kolkata airport while he was scheduled to fly to Hyderabad on Saturday.

Police said the five vandalism accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 221 (voluntarily obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), Section 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant), Section 121(1) and 121(2) (voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt), Section 324(5) (mischief), Sections 117(2) and 118(2) (causing grievous hurt and hurt), and Section 3(5) (acts done in furtherance of common intention). Provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act have also been invoked.

Meanwhile, police have registered two suo motu cases against Dutta and unidentified persons in connection with the disorder witnessed at the stadium during the event.

According to police, on the day of the event at the venue also known as Salt Lake Stadium, arrangements remained normal until around 10 am, with tight security in place and restrictions on carrying items such as bottles. Officials said Messi was present on the ground between 11:32 am and 11:52 am.

“At 11:48 am, the crowd started shouting ‘boo’. That is when we sensed dissatisfaction, and soon Messi’s security escorted him out of the ground. When the audience saw Messi leaving, they started throwing objects like bottles and chairs,” a police officer said.

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The investigation into the incidents of mismanagement and vandalism is ongoing.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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