Sourav Ganguly Sends Legal Notice, Files Defamation Case Over Messi Tour Controversy
CAB chief seeks legal action against Argentina Fan Club president for allegedly linking him to Salt Lake Stadium mishap
Kolkata, Dec 19: The fallout from Lionel Messi’s brief visit to Kolkata continues as Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly has taken legal action against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club in Kolkata.
Ganguly filed a defamation complaint with the Kolkata Police cyber cell, seeking ₹50 crore in damages. He accused Saha of making “false, malicious, offensive and defamatory remarks” linking Ganguly to the chaos during Messi’s appearance at Salt Lake Stadium. The complaint was submitted via email to Lalbazar, the city police headquarters.
The allegations stem from an interview in which Saha referred to event organiser Satadru Dutta as a “broker” and suggested Ganguly was overseeing proceedings. Ganguly has also issued a legal notice demanding the removal of the interview video and related content from social media and digital platforms.
The controversy erupted after Messi’s 22 minute visit sparked anger among fans, leading to water bottles being thrown, chairs damaged, and debris scattered. Police intervened to restore order.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later apologised and announced an inquiry into the incident. Event organiser Satadru Dutta was arrested, State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned, and senior IPS officers, including DGP Rajeev Kumar, were issued show cause notices.
This legal move underscores Ganguly’s stance against being wrongly implicated in the high profile Messi tour controversy.
