The much anticipated appearance of football legend Lionel Messi in India took an unexpected turn after chaotic scenes erupted during his event in Kolkata. What was meant to be a celebratory moment for fans quickly turned into disorder, forcing authorities to rethink security arrangements for the remaining events of his tour. The fallout from Kolkata has now led to a major security escalation for the upcoming Delhi event, with an additional 1000 personnel being deployed to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The Kolkata event, held at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, drew an overwhelming crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the global superstar. Poor crowd management, overcrowding, and restricted visibility for many ticket holders sparked frustration among attendees. As tensions rose, sections of the crowd began protesting inside the stadium, with objects thrown and seating damaged. Messi was escorted out earlier than planned as security struggled to regain control, leaving many fans disappointed and angry.
The incident quickly drew national and international attention, raising serious questions about event planning and crowd safety at high profile appearances in India. Authorities launched inquiries into the organisation of the event, while political leaders and sports bodies distanced themselves from the mismanagement. The episode was widely seen as an avoidable lapse that tarnished the experience for fans and organisers alike.
Learning from the chaos in Kolkata, Delhi Police have taken a no risk approach ahead of Messi’s next appearance in the capital. Security strength has been increased by around 1000 personnel, taking the total deployment to nearly 2500 officers. Senior police officials, rapid response teams, and traffic personnel have been assigned to ensure strict crowd control, smooth entry and exit, and protection for the football icon. Surveillance measures and access restrictions are also expected to be far tighter than before.
Officials believe the enhanced security setup will help manage the massive turnout expected in Delhi and restore confidence among fans. Clearer entry protocols, controlled movement inside the venue, and better coordination between organisers and law enforcement are key priorities this time.
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