Mamata Banerjee Issues Public Apology Following Chaos at Lionel Messi's Kolkata Event: Investigation Ordered

Dec 13, 2025 06:57 pm CST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered an official inquiry and issued a public apology after Lionel Messi's appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata descended into chaos. Fans who paid up to Rs 14,000 for tickets vandalized the stadium when unable to see the football superstar, forcing organizers to cut short the event and hurriedly escort Messi away. The incident has sparked political backlash with opposition BJP criticizing the event's security arrangements and management just months before elections.