3 freeloaders, 2 ticket holders: Cops make first vandalism arrests
Times of India | 16 December 2025
Kolkata: Bidhannagar Police on Sunday night arrested five persons in connection with vandalism at the Salt Lake stadium on Saturday. They were sent to seven days' judicial custody by the additional chief judicial magistrate court at Bidhannagar.
Subhropratim Dey and Gaurab Basu, two working professionals who are pursuing an MBA, were arrested on Sunday night. They had both bought tickets to the Messi event. Dey, a resident of South Dinajpur, works in a PSU and stays at a flat in Nagerbazar. Basu, who stays in Jyangra, works with a multinational paint manufacturing company. His father is an employee with Indian Railways.
Present at the court of ACJM Abhijeet Pakhrin, public prosecutor Sabir Ali alleged that the duo was involved in vandalism and were identified from CCTV footage. "During interrogation, they admitted being present at the stadium at that time. During searches, pieces of torn flex, used in the stadium, were found on them. They were clearly part of the mob that tore down posters and banners," said Ali. According to sources, police also searched registration numbers of vehicles to corroborate the suspects.
Three spectators from Nabapally in the Sukantanagar area — Sanjay Das, Abhijit Das, and Basudev Das — were also arrested on Sunday night.
"In their statements, the five said they were present at the stadium when it was vandalised. We have not prayed for their police custody now but can seek it later. More persons are being identified from CCTV footage," Ali said. He also told the court that a number of cops sustained injuries that day.
Cops slapped charges under BNS sections, including obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their official duties, criminal force used to deter a public servant, voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant, and damage to property.
"Their careers are at stake now after the cops arrested them and the court denied bail," said Ardhendu Das, the lawyer appearing for the five accused. "There were nearly 1,00,000 people at the stadium. Many were seen vandalising chairs, breaking speakers, and destroying public property. Five of them are being specifically targeted while cops could not produce corroboratory evidence against them in court," he said.
Another lawyer, Kaushik Das, appearing for Sanjay and Abhijit, said they were rounded up around 1.35 am while cops showed their arrest at 10 am. "Three of them from Nabapally work in a private firm. They managed to get free tickets as they can't afford expensive ones. Cops showed a CCTV grab to Sanjay where two bikers can be seen. However, cops could not even produce tickets before the court," he said.