1,000 additional security personnel deployed for Messi's Delhi event
What's the story
In light of the chaos that erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during the recent GOAT event featuring Lionel Messi, the Delhi Police have stepped up security measures for the upcoming show at Arun Jaitley Stadium. According to The Indian Express, the police force has been bolstered by 1,000 additional personnel, taking the total deployment to 2,500. This is in anticipation of a crowd of around 30,000 people at Monday's event.
Security preparations
Stringent security measures and traffic advisory for Messi's event
The Delhi Police have also decided to deploy around 10 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP)-rank officers at various points in and outside the stadium. A traffic advisory will be issued on Monday to manage the expected crowd. "Elaborate security arrangements have been made, with 2,500 personnel deployed in and around the stadium to manage the crowd and prevent any untoward incidents," a senior police officer said.
Organizer arrested
Kolkata event's chaos leads to organizer's arrest
The decision to increase security comes after the violent incident in Kolkata, where fans broke seats, tore banners, and threw water bottles due to the fact that Messi's appearance was too brief, lasting just 22 minutes. The event organizer, Shatadru Dutta, was arrested following an inquiry committee set up by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She expressed being "deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed" at the venue.
Tour details
Messi's 'GOAT India Tour 2025' to visit 4 cities
The event is part of Messi's "G.O.A.T India Tour 2025," which covers four cities: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The Delhi show will be held from 1pm to 4pm at Arun Jaitley Stadium in central Delhi. In addition to the increased police presence inside the stadium, around 100 traffic police personnel will also be deployed outside under a DCP and two ACPs (Assistant Commissioners of Police). In stark contrast to the event in Kolkata, the one in Hyderabad happened smoothly.