Kolkata Removes 70-Foot Lionel Messi Statue Over Structural Safety Concerns
Authorities in Kolkata have removed a 70-foot statue of footballer Lionel Messi from Lake Town due to structural instability concerns. Residents reported the statue swaying during strong winds, prompting inspections that found safety risks, including loose foundation bolts and an off-center gravity. The Public Works Department dismantled the statue carefully using cranes, and it remains in government custody. The statue, unveiled by Messi in December 2025, was commissioned by former minister Sujit Bose. Officials are considering relocating it, but no final decision has been announced.
First-hand measurement across 15 sources
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 20%, Centre 75%, Right 5%). Overall sentiment is neutral (42/100). Lens Score 35/100 — moderate-to-low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
- oneindia— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- thehindu— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- thetribune— balanced framing, negative sentiment
- hindustantimes— left-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- freepressjournal— balanced framing, negative sentiment
- english— left-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- thetribune— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- economictimes— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
AI Analysis
The article group includes perspectives highlighting the statue's safety issues and the administrative response by the newly elected BJP government, contrasting with the previous Trinamool Congress administration that commissioned the statue. Some sources mention political controversies involving former minister Sujit Bose and the broader context of changing governance in West Bengal. Coverage balances technical safety concerns with political developments without overt editorializing.
The overall tone across the articles is neutral to cautious, focusing on public safety and procedural actions taken to dismantle the statue. While some reports note controversies and public dissatisfaction related to the statue's resemblance and the chaotic events during Messi's visit, the sentiment remains factual and restrained, emphasizing safety and administrative measures rather than emotional or sensational reactions.