KOLKATA
Kolkata Police arrested three more people on Friday in connection with the vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium during an event featuring Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi last week. This brings the total arrests in the case to eight.
The principal organiser, Shatadru Dutta, had been taken into custody on December 13, the day of the incident. The three newly arrested individuals are set to appear in a lower court later today, where police will seek their custody.
In a related development, the police’s special investigation team visited Dutta’s residence in Rishra, Hooghly district. Officials spoke with domestic staff and conducted a thorough search of the premises, though no items were reportedly seized. Investigators declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
Sources indicate that financial irregularities, particularly linked to the high ticket prices for the Messi event, are under scrutiny. If confirmed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may take over the investigation, as it has the authority to probe potential money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Earlier, the state’s Principal Secretary for Sports, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, along with DGP Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, submitted responses to the state government regarding show-cause notices issued over the stadium mismanagement and vandalism. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to clarify accountability for the chaotic event.
