A day after spectators went on a rampage at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi’s visit, the three-member inquiry committee formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the venue Sunday.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose separately visited the stadium on Sunday for a first-hand assessment of the incident. Accompanied by the chief secretary and senior police officials, the Governor inspected various parts of the venue during his review.
The inquiry committee, led by a former judge of the Calcutta High Court, Justice (Retd) Ashim Kumar Ray, included Chief Secretary Manoj Panth and Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty. Mukesh, the Commissioner of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, Deputy Commissioner of Police Aneesh Sarkar, Sports Secretary Rajesh Sinha, and Joint Commissioner of Police V Chandrasekhar Vadnavarun joined them.
The three-member committee arrived at Salt Lake Stadium at 11.30 am for an on-ground inspection. It was observed that everything was being videotaped.
According to an official, the committee began their inspection at the stadium gate where Messi entered and traced his movements across the field, pinpointing where the trouble first began. Officials reported that the committee examined broken plastic chairs, twisted metal barricades, and littered galleries.
According to an official, the panel closely examined the entry corridors, security arrangements in place during the event, and adjoining galleries.
Speaking to the media, Justice Ashim Kumar Ray said, “We have come today as part of the enquiry committee. Right now, it would not be appropriate to make any observations. We have just come to see the circumstances and the investigation has begun.”
He said, “Just yesterday, we had decided on a roadmap, and today I am at the location. I have observed everything, taken notes, and come to some conclusions, but I haven’t formed a final opinion yet. This process shouldn’t be rushed. I visited the site as soon as possible, and we will submit the report shortly.”
The Governor arrived around 12.30 pm to document the vandalism at the ground and questioned the system’s failures.
Speaking to the media, he stated, “I came here to gain first-hand experience from ground zero. I have observed the area. For fans, Messi is like a symbol of hope. We need to examine the roles of the private organisation, government administration, and the police, as well as investigate any potential intelligence failures.”
He further said, “I met with the committee that has been formed, and they are conducting a detailed inspection. There is more to this situation than meets the eye. This incident has brought untold shame to the people of Kolkata. We need to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP).”
“My report is half complete, and I will finalise it after speaking with the fans. I will submit the report to the Sports Authority of India and the Government of India. An arrest has been made; let the law take its course. The general sentiment among the spectators is that their feelings have been completely ignored, which is what has caused their irritation.”
Commissioner of Police Mukesh from the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, who was present at the stadium during the inspection, told the media, “No permission was granted for water bottles. We did not receive the additional guest list. We have prepared a list for summons, and vendors will also be questioned. Two cases have been registered, and one arrest has been made. We have been granted custody of the individual, and we are currently reviewing CCTV footage. All those identified will be arrested. The investigation is ongoing.”
Minutes after angry fans ransacked Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata following football superstar Lionel Messi’s brief visit to the venue on Saturday, CM Banerjee apologised to him and constituted an inquiry committee under the chairmanship of a retired judge.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi,” Banerjee said.