The West Bengal government on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Commissioner of Police Mukesh Kumar over alleged lapses in crowd control, security deployment and coordination during Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The administrative action follows widespread disorder at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) over the weekend, where thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the Argentine football star.
The event, however, spiralled into chaos after Messi’s brief and tightly controlled appearance was cut short amid crowd unrest, vandalism and damage to stadium property.
According to the Chief Secretary, the probe panel, acting on a preliminary enquiry report dated December 15, sought explanations from the DGP and the Bidhannagar CP within 24 hours on why large-scale mismanagement occurred and why proper coordination with stakeholders, including the private organiser, was not ensured for the smooth conduct of the high-profile programme.
The state government also initiated departmental proceedings against Bidhannagar DCP Aneesh Sarkar for reported negligence in the discharge of his duties on the day of the event. He has been placed under suspension pending completion of the enquiry.
In addition, a show-cause notice has been served to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department. The services of Deb Kumar Nandan, retired WBCS officer and CEO of the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, have been withdrawn with immediate effect for his role in the mismanagement.
Chaos broke out on Saturday afternoon after Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived at the stadium around 11.30 am for what was billed as a marquee football celebration. Despite ticket prices ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000, many spectators said they failed to get a clear view of the World Cup-winning captain, either from the stands or on the giant screens.
Messi’s planned lap of honour was curtailed as crowds surged towards the field, prompting security personnel to escort him off the ground within minutes. Bottles and plastic chairs were thrown from the stands, sponsor hoardings were damaged, fibreglass seats were broken, and several spectators attempted to breach barricades. Police were forced to deploy the Rapid Action Force to regain control.
The disorder led to the early termination of the programme, leaving several scheduled guests, including Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly and chief minister Mamata Banerjee, unable to participate.
Police later detained Satadru Datta, the main organiser of the event, from Kolkata airport as Messi and his entourage departed for Hyderabad. DGP Rajeev Kumar said the organiser was detained over alleged mismanagement and had submitted a written assurance that ticket money would be refunded to spectators who were disappointed after failing to see the football star.
Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and football fans, calling the incident “deeply disturbing”. She announced a high-level enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The state government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar to conduct a detailed probe into planning failures, security arrangements, crowd management and coordination lapses.
Kolkata, long known for its passion for football, had eagerly awaited Messi’s return after his last visit in 2011. Instead, the GOAT Tour stop ended in anger, vandalism and sweeping administrative action, triggering one of the most serious accountability exercises ordered by the state government in connection with a sporting event in recent years.
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