70-Foot Messi Statue Removed in Kolkata After Storm Damage
A towering 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was dismantled in Kolkata's Lake Town area on Monday after authorities determined it had become unstable due to recent storms. The Public Works Department (PWD) oversaw the careful removal of the structure from its pedestal, using a hydraulic crane to lift it onto a truck.
Safety Concerns Emerge
Local residents first raised alarms earlier this week when they noticed the statue swaying during strong winds. Police and PWD officials conducted inspections, followed by a technical review by the contractor. The contractor identified defects in the foundation bolts, warning that the statue posed a safety risk and could potentially collapse if left in place.
Future Location Uncertain
The statue will remain in PWD custody for now, with no final decision on its future location. Speculation suggests it could be moved to Rabindra Sarobar or Eco Park, but the state government has made no official announcement. The statue was unveiled in December last year during Messi's visit to Kolkata, with the football superstar inaugurating it remotely as part of a ceremony.
Background and Controversy
The project was promoted by former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose, who was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged municipal recruitment scam. The removal marks a significant development in the statue's short history.
(With PTI inputs)
