The Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court rejected Satadru Dutta’s bail plea related to financial discrepancies at Lionel Messi’s felicitation event in Kolkata. Dutta, the event’s main organizer, faced rejection after chaos erupted during the ceremony. Instead of bail, he was ordered to judicial custody until January 9. The court highlighted alleged financial irregularities amounting to approximately Rs 23 crore during the event.
Outside the courtroom, Dutta’s counsel made a controversial statement claiming his client was “leading 3-0,” countered by the public prosecutor stating Dutta had “conceded three goals.” The prosecutor revealed that ticket sales generated nearly Rs 19 crore, with damages to government property estimated at around Rs 2 crore during the unrest. The court was informed that Dutta, a key figure, was arrested at the airport while attempting to board a flight with Messi.
The public prosecutor emphasized that contracts for the event were finalized before official approval, indicating the organizer’s intent. Dutta’s defense argued that the event was professionally managed to showcase the footballer, emphasizing past successful international events. Despite claims of proper coordination with authorities, the court denied bail due to the ongoing crucial investigation stage. Dutta remains in judicial custody until January 9.
