Messi Tour Organiser Gets Bail After 37 Days in Custody
A Bidhannagar court granted bail to Satadru Dutta on Monday. Dutta served as the main organiser and promoter for Lionel Messi's controversial India tour. He spent 37 days in custody following his arrest on December 13.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The court set several conditions for Dutta's release. He cannot leave the Bidhannagar court's jurisdiction. Dutta must stay within the Salt Lake-Lake Town area. This restriction prevents him from returning to his home in Hooghly's Rishra.
Additional requirements include surrendering his passport. Dutta must report to the investigating officer weekly. These measures aim to ensure his availability for further legal proceedings.
Chaotic Stadium Event Led to Arrest
Police arrested Dutta shortly after Lionel Messi's appearance at Salt Lake stadium descended into chaos. Fans paid substantial amounts for tickets but complained about poor visibility. VIPs crowded around the Argentine football star, blocking views for many spectators.
Messi left the venue earlier than scheduled, triggering widespread anger. Sections of the crowd vandalised the stadium within minutes. Investigators identified serious lapses in planning, crowd management and security arrangements as contributing factors.
Arrest at Airport and Official Actions
Authorities arrested Dutta at the airport on December 13. He was preparing to travel to Hyderabad with Messi for the next leg of the tour when police took him into custody.
The state government showcaused state DGP Rajiv Kumar and Bidhannagar Police commissioner Mukesh following the incident. State minister Aroop Biswas gave up his sports portfolio in response to the controversy.
Bidhannagar ACP Anish Sarkar faced suspension for his role in law and order at the stadium. The stadium CEO was also relieved of duties. A four-member Special Investigation Team continues to probe the incident.
Legal Arguments and Court Decision
Dutta's lawyer Dyutiman Bhattacharya presented arguments for bail. He noted Dutta already spent 14 days in police custody and more than three weeks in jail. During this period, police conducted jail interrogation sessions.
"We appealed before the court to grant him bail under any condition," Bhattacharya explained. "The magistrate agreed to our request."
State counsel Bivas Chattopadhyay opposed the bail plea. He argued Dutta could influence witnesses if released. Chattopadhyay also suggested Dutta should remain in custody until ticket refunds were processed.
After hearing both sides, additional CJM Abhijeet Pakhrin granted Dutta conditional bail. The decision came after careful consideration of all arguments presented in court.
