Kolkata (FNO): Satadru Dutta, the organiser of Lionel Messi’s Kolkata event, was denied bail on Friday and has been remanded to 14 days of police custody, dealing a major setback in the aftermath of the chaotic scenes that marred the football icon’s visit.

Dutta was produced before a local court, where police sought custodial interrogation citing serious lapses in event planning, crowd control and security arrangements. The court accepted the prosecution’s plea, rejecting the bail application and allowing police custody to facilitate further investigation.

Authorities are probing alleged mismanagement that led to disorder, vandalism and public safety concerns at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium during Messi’s brief appearance. Investigators are also examining permissions, coordination with agencies and financial aspects linked to the event.

The incident had triggered widespread criticism after fans, many of whom had paid hefty sums, were left disappointed and unrest broke out inside the stadium.

Police said further questioning of the organiser is necessary to establish accountability and determine whether additional individuals or agencies were responsible for the lapses.