‘Messi Did Not Like Being Hugged’: What Arrested Organiser Satadru Dutta Told SIT About Kolkata Chaos
📅 December 21, 2025
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
Fresh details have emerged from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the chaos surrounding a high-profile football event in Kolkata, after arrested organiser Satadru Dutta told investigators that Lionel Messi was uncomfortable with close physical contact during the appearance. The remark—“Messi did not like being hugged,” according to sources familiar with the questioning—has become a focal point in the inquiry into how security arrangements and crowd management broke down.
The incident, which unfolded amid surging crowds and frayed security perimeters, triggered panic, injuries, and widespread criticism of the event’s planning. Authorities have since detained Dutta and expanded the probe to examine approvals, coordination failures, and accountability across multiple agencies.
What the Organiser Told the SIT
During interrogation, Dutta reportedly told the Special Investigation Team that Messi’s discomfort stemmed from unplanned physical proximity and attempts by individuals to get close during the appearance. Investigators are assessing whether this concern was communicated to security teams in advance and, if so, how it factored into crowd-control decisions on the ground.
Officials said the statement is being corroborated against event logs, CCTV footage, and testimonies from private security personnel and local police deployed at the venue. “We are mapping the chain of communication—who knew what, and when,” an officer involved in the probe said.
How the Situation Escalated
The event—billed as a rare opportunity for fans to see the global football icon—drew numbers far exceeding initial projections. As barriers failed and entry points clogged, police were forced to intervene, leading to confusion and stampede-like conditions in pockets of the venue.
Authorities believe a combination of overcrowding, inadequate access control, and misaligned expectations contributed to the chaos. The SIT is examining whether organisers oversold passes, underestimated turnout, or failed to implement layered security rings customary for appearances by international sports stars.
Focus on Permissions and Protocols
Investigators are scrutinising event permissions, including crowd capacity approvals, emergency response plans, and the deployment of trained marshals. Sources said the SIT is also reviewing communications with local administration and private vendors responsible for barricading and stage security.
Legal experts note that organiser liability hinges on whether standard operating procedures were ignored or diluted. “High-risk events require redundancy—multiple fail-safes,” said a crowd-safety consultant. “Any lapse can cascade quickly.”
Political and Public Reaction
The chaos has prompted sharp reactions from opposition leaders in Kolkata, who have demanded accountability and a public report. Civil society groups have called for stricter guidelines for celebrity events, citing repeated incidents of overcrowding across Indian cities.
Meanwhile, fans expressed disappointment that poor planning overshadowed what was meant to be a celebratory moment. Several injured attendees were treated at nearby hospitals and later discharged, according to officials.
What Happens Next
The SIT is expected to file a detailed remand note outlining preliminary findings and may summon additional witnesses, including venue managers and senior security coordinators. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are possible if evidence points to negligence or misrepresentation.
As the investigation continues, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of underestimating crowd dynamics—especially when global icons are involved. For now, the focus remains on establishing responsibility and ensuring that future events adhere to rigorous safety standards.
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