Kolkata, 19 January (H.S.): Satadru Dutta, the organiser of the event held to felicitate football legend Lionel Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan), was granted bail on Monday by a Bidhannagar sub-divisional court in connection with the case of disorder and alleged financial irregularities during the programme. The court ordered his release on a personal bond of ₹10,000 with two sureties.

Dutta was arrested on charges of mismanagement and financial irregularities following the event held on December 13. The programme spiralled out of control after Messi reportedly left early, triggering anger among fans. Incidents of vandalism were reported, with spectators allegedly hurling bottles and chairs. Several fans claimed they had paid up to ₹20,000 for tickets but were denied even a glimpse of the footballer as priority was given to VIP guests.

Earlier, during the initial hearings, the court had rejected Dutta’s bail plea and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody, followed by an additional nine days. A controversial remark made by his counsel during a previous bail hearing—“my client is leading 3–0”—had also drawn attention.

The public prosecutor had informed the court that financial irregularities amounting to around ₹23 crore were detected in connection with the organisation of the event. It was further alleged that violence and disorder during the programme caused damage to government property estimated at nearly ₹2 crore. The prosecution had opposed bail, arguing that Dutta was an influential person and could abscond if released.

The incident also had political repercussions. Following the disorder at the event, West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned from his post, after which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assumed charge of the state’s sports department.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh