A special investigation into the chaotic Lionel Messi event in Kolkata has taken a dramatic turn, with the main organiser now under arrest. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has revealed that the football legend was visibly unhappy during the event, specifically due to being touched by members of the crowd.
Organiser's Arrest and SIT Findings
The West Bengal Police's SIT arrested the primary organiser, Victor PK Dey, on Sunday. Dey, who is associated with the company that managed the event, was taken into custody from his residence. According to SIT officials, Dey's arrest is a direct result of the evidence gathered during the investigation into the event held on September 2nd.
The SIT's questioning of other organisers and staff present that day yielded a crucial piece of information. Lionel Messi was reportedly unhappy with the situation on stage, where he was allegedly touched by people from the crowd. This detail has become a central point in understanding the sequence of events that led to the Argentine star cutting short his stage appearance and the subsequent public outcry.
The Chaotic Event and Mounting Allegations
The much-hyped "An Evening with Messi" event at a luxury hotel in Kolkata descended into chaos. Fans who paid significant sums for tickets alleged they were cheated, as Messi's interaction was brief and the promised activities did not materialise. Following numerous complaints, the Kolkata Police initiated an investigation, which was later handed over to the SIT.
The probe is looking into multiple allegations, including cheating, breach of trust, and conspiracy. Investigators are examining whether the organisers deliberately misled the public about the nature and duration of Messi's participation to sell high-priced tickets.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Victor PK Dey was produced before a city court on Monday. The court has remanded him to police custody for a period of four days to allow the SIT to conduct further interrogation. The police are likely to question him extensively about the financial arrangements, contracts with the international agency representing Messi, and the clear discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered to fans.
The SIT is also scrutinising the roles of other individuals and entities involved in planning and promoting the event. The revelation about Messi's discomfort adds a new dimension, suggesting that the organisers may have lost control of the event's management, leading to a situation that dissatisfied both the star attraction and the paying audience.
This high-profile case continues to develop, with the police committed to a thorough investigation. The arrest marks a significant step in addressing the grievances of numerous fans and examining the lapses that turned a celebratory event into a controversial affair.
