A fresh controversy has erupted in Lake Town after locals alleged that a statue of Lionel Messi inaugurated by former minister Sujit Bose has become unstable and may collapse at any moment.
Locals fear statue may collapse anytime
The statue, located near the Lake Town Clock Tower, was inaugurated on December 13 during Messi’s Kolkata visit celebrations. However, residents claimed that the structure has started swaying even in mild wind conditions, raising serious safety concerns.
On Sunday morning, residents reportedly approached the local police station and lodged a complaint over the condition of the statue. Following the complaint, police contacted the local administration and the South Dum Dum Municipality. The matter was also reportedly communicated to the district administration.
PWD engineers inspect Messi structure
Sources said engineers from the Public Works Department later inspected the structure and submitted a report to the district magistrate. According to sources, the report described the statue as being in a dangerous condition and warned that strong winds or heavy rain during the upcoming monsoon could cause it to collapse.
Questions raised over land permission process
PWD sources further claimed that the statue was allegedly constructed in an “unscientific manner,” with issues related to its centre of gravity making it unstable during windy conditions.
Fresh questions have also emerged over permissions for the installation. Sources alleged that the statue stands on PWD land and that no no-objection certificate was obtained from the department before construction.
Earlier social media criticism resurfaces again
The statue had earlier drawn criticism on social media soon after its inauguration, with several football fans claiming it did not resemble Messi. The latest safety concerns have once again brought the controversial structure into public focus.
