NATIONAL: Messi Event Fallout: Ganguly Files Defamation Case
Sourav Ganguly, the legendary former captain of India’s cricket team, has moved decisively to protect his name.
He lodged a formal complaint with Kolkata’s cybercrime unit and sent a legal notice seeking 50 crore rupees in damages.
The target is Uttam Saha, president of the local Argentina Football Fan Club, accused of spreading unfounded allegations online.
Distress Over Reputation Damage
In his complaint emailed to police headquarters at Lalbazar, Ganguly highlighted the emotional toll.
He said the statements were deliberate lies designed to undermine decades of achievement in cricket and administration.
Ganguly stressed that such attacks cause lasting harm to public figures who have built trust over years.
Trigger: Chaos at Messi’s Kolkata Visit
The controversy traces back to Lionel Messi’s short promotional appearance on December 13, 2025, at Salt Lake Stadium.
Fans grew frustrated with the brief 20-minute event, leading to unrest.
Many ripped up seats, threw bottles, and rushed the field in protest over limited access to the star.
Fallout for Organizers and Officials
Event promoter Satadru Dutta was arrested shortly after, facing charges related to mismanagement.
West Bengal’s Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down, accepting moral responsibility for the lapses.
The state government launched an official probe into security failures and crowd control issues.
Specific Allegations Denied
Social media posts by Saha reportedly claimed Dutta acted as Ganguly’s close ally or front in organizing the tour.
Ganguly firmly rejected any connection to the event planning.
Authorities have confirmed they will investigate the cyber complaint thoroughly and proceed as per law.