A court in Bidhannagar has granted interim bail to Shatadru Dutta, the organiser of Lionel Messi's controversial GOAT India Tour event in Kolkata. The court's decision comes after it previously rejected his bail petition, citing concerns about his influence and potential to flee.
Court Reverses Earlier Stance on Bail
The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court granted Dutta relief on Monday. He secured bail on a bond of Rs 10,000. This marks a significant shift from the court's earlier position. In December, the same court had denied Dutta's bail application. At that time, the court expressed strong reservations. It noted that Dutta appeared to be a very influential person. The court feared he could easily escape if released on bail.
Legal Arguments for and Against Bail
Dutta's lawyer presented a key argument during Monday's hearing. The counsel stated that the police investigation had shown no significant progress. Therefore, the lawyer contended, there was no compelling reason to keep Dutta in custody any longer. The prosecution, however, strongly opposed granting him bail. They argued against his release, but the court ultimately sided with the defence.
Background of the December 13 Incident
The case stems from a major incident of vandalism at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. Thousands of football fans attended an event featuring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. The fans became extremely angry when Messi's appearance at the venue proved to be extremely brief. This frustration boiled over into chaos.
Spectators engaged in widespread destruction. They broke stadium seats, tore down banners, and hurled water bottles. Many fans had purchased expensive tickets hoping to catch a proper glimpse of the football icon. The disappointment led to the violent outburst.
Legal Charges and Political Fallout
Police filed two separate cases in connection with the stadium rampage. Dutta was arrested under the first FIR. He faces a long list of charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other acts. These include:
- Provocation with intent to cause a riot (BNS 192)
- Mischief (BNS 324/4 (5))
- Mischief by injury, inundation, fire, or explosive substance (BNS 326 (5))
- Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant (BNS 132)
- Voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant (BNS 121 (1))
- Causing grievous hurt (BNS 121 (2))
- Abetment of a thing (BNS 45/46)
Authorities also booked him under the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The second FIR focused specifically on vandalism and arson. Police arrested at least six other individuals in connection with that case.
The incident had immediate political consequences. The then state sports minister, Aroop Biswas, resigned from his position. He stepped down following allegations of severe mismanagement surrounding the high-profile event.
Shatadru Dutta was initially taken into police custody on December 13, the same day as the violent protests. His interim bail now allows him temporary freedom as the legal process continues.
