2 arrested for vandalism at Messi Salt lake stadium event

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a vandalism case registered after chaos and disorder broke out during the event featuring footballer Lionel Messi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata. The case was formally lodged at the Bidhannagar South police station. The arrested persons have been identified as Subhopratim Dey and Gourab Basu, who are facing serious charges related to the stadium chaos.

The arrests follow the denial of bail to Shatadru Dutta, the main organizer of the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025. Dutta was remanded to 14 days of police custody by a local court in Bidhannagar just a day earlier. The organizer had been arrested by Bidhannagar police at the Kolkata airport on Saturday while he was scheduled to fly to Hyderabad, highlighting the escalating police action against those responsible for the event's disorder.

Police have invoked multiple sections of the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Dey and Basu, including serious charges like Section 221 (obstructing a public servant), Section 132 (assault to deter a public servant), and Sections 121(1), 121(2), 117(2), and 118(2) related to causing hurt and grievous hurt. Additionally, 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, the police have also registered two suo motu cases against Dutta and other unidentified persons in connection with the widespread disorder at the stadium.