Scam of Rs 23 crore in Messi's Kolkata program (file photo)
State Bureau, Jagran, Kolkata: The Bengal government has accused Shatadru Dutta, the main organizer of Argentina's legendary footballer Leon Messi's recent tour to India, of financial corruption worth Rs 23 crore.
Talking to reporters after Shatadru's appearance in the Bidhannagar divisional court on Sunday, the government advocate said that Shatadru is accused of financial corruption worth a total of Rs 23 crore regarding the sale of tickets and other things. A special investigation team constituted by the state government is investigating this.
Shatadru's house was raided and his assets worth Rs 22 crore were seized. The government advocate further said that the responsibility of Messi's events held successfully in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi was handed over to Daksh Event Management Company, whereas for the event in Kolkata, no event management company was appointed. Shatadru had kept with himself Rs 20 lakh allotted for the event management company. Messi stayed in the stadium for only 20 minutes.
Actually this was also part of a well thought out plan. Even before the government approval, Shatadru had signed an agreement with the organization to supply drinking water and food items to the stadium. According to police sources, the agreement was officially for Rs 40 lakh while Shatadru had taken Rs 60 lakh in cash.
Similarly, a total of Rs 19 crore was collected by selling more than 34,000 tickets. Tickets were sold for Rs 4 to 12 thousand. It is known that Shatadru was arrested in the case of mismanagement of Messi's program at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Angered by not being able to see Messi because he was surrounded by people, the spectators broke into the stadium.
Shatadru Dutta arrived in the court with Geeta
Shatadru had reached the court on Sunday with Bhagavad Gita. During the hearing, his lawyer argued that his client had an obligation to bring Messi to India, which he did. He did not have any other responsibilities. His client has many complex diseases, hence he should be granted bail. Opposing this, the government advocate said that Shatadru is a very influential person. If granted bail, they can influence the investigation process. After hearing the arguments of both the parties, the court extended Shatadru's police custody till January 9. Shatadru was earlier in police custody for 14 days.