SIT Begins Probe into Vandalism at Lionel Messi Event in Kolkata, Sixth Accused Arrested

Kolkata, December 17, 2025: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the West Bengal government on Wednesday launched a detailed probe into the vandalism that erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi’s event at Salt Lake Stadium last week, officials said.

The SIT, comprising senior IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar, inspected the stadium premises before proceeding to the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate office to review preliminary findings and evidence related to the incident.

Meanwhile, Bidhannagar Police arrested one more person in connection with the violence, taking the total number of arrests to six. The latest accused, Rupak Mondal, a resident of Chingrighata along the EM Bypass, was identified through CCTV footage captured at the stadium.

Police officials said the footage confirmed Mondal’s presence at the venue during the unrest. He is currently being questioned to determine his role and motive behind the acts of vandalism.

Earlier, police had registered a suo motu case and arrested five others identified as Basudev Das, Sanjay Das, Abhijit Das, Gaurab Basu and Subhrapratim Dey. The main organiser of the event, Shatadru Dutta, has also been taken into custody.

Violence broke out at Salt Lake Stadium last Saturday amid heightened excitement over Messi’s visit. Several spectators, many of whom had purchased high-priced tickets, alleged that they were unable to properly see Messi. The football star, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, remained on the field for around 20 minutes but was surrounded by a crowd that included state minister Aroop Biswas.

After the players exited the field, disgruntled fans accused the organisers of poor crowd management and misrepresentation. The situation quickly escalated, with spectators vandalising hoardings, throwing bottles, damaging gallery chairs and breaking fences before storming onto the field.

Authorities said the SIT will examine lapses in security arrangements, crowd control measures and organisational responsibilities as the investigation progresses.