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In the wake of the chaotic “GOAT India Tour” featuring football legend Lionel Messi, West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, visited the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Adhikari aimed to assess the property damage following a massive spectator rampage that has become a major political flashpoint in the state.
The visit comes as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government faces intense scrutiny over the December 13 event, where over 85,000 fans erupted in fury after being unable to see the star, who was surrounded by politicians and VIPs.1
🏛️ Adhikari’s Stand: “Moral Responsibility to Protect Public Property”
The senior BJP leader was met with locked gates at the stadium complex but used the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
- Damage Assessment: Adhikari cited his “moral responsibility” as the LoP to inspect the public asset, which reportedly suffered damages worth nearly ₹2 crore, including broken chairs, ripped-up gates, and vandalized tents.2
- Demand for Arrests: He demanded the immediate arrest of ministers Sujit Bose and Aroop Biswas, accusing them of prioritizing “selfie culture” over public safety and effective management.3
- Support for Fans: Adhikari vowed that the BJP would provide legal aid to fans arrested for the vandalism, arguing that they were “cheated” by the organizers after paying ticket prices ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000.
⚖️ The “Messi Fiasco”: Resignations and Repercussions
The fallout from the event has already led to significant administrative shake-ups:
| Person/Entity | Action Taken |
| Aroop Biswas | Resigned as Sports Minister on Tuesday (accepted by CM). |
| Satadru Dutta | Prime Organizer; Arrested and sent to police custody for 14 days. |
| Rajeev Kumar (DGP) | Served a show-cause notice for administrative lapses. |
| Aneesh Sarkar (DC) | Suspended for negligence of duty. |
| Deb Kumar Nandan | CEO of Salt Lake Stadium; services withdrawn immediately. |
Investigation Update
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising four senior IPS officers has been formed to probe the “lack of supervision.”4 Initial findings by a probe committee revealed that despite restrictions, unauthorized food stalls and water bottles were allowed inside, which were later used as projectiles by the irate crowd.5