Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], December 13 (ANI): West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the chaos that erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium during football icon Lionel Messi’s visit on Saturday.
In his statement, the governor described the day as a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata. The West Bengal governor also expressed shock at the alleged lack of planning to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings surrounding Messi’s visit.
“The Governor is shocked at the pell-mell due to utter lack of management and planning in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings at the Salt Lake Stadium surrounding’s Messi’s visit. While the organisers of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation that unfolded, it is also the police that has failed the Government, the people and the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister. Due to their inaction this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports loving people of Kolkata,” said Bengal Governor’s office.
The Governor also issued a series of directives to the State Government, including the arrest of the event organisers, refunds to ticket holders, and the imposition of charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public property. He also called for a judicial enquiry into the entire incident and directed the suspension of police officers who failed to take necessary precautions.
He added that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) should remain prepared, and an insurance scheme should be introduced for spectators, with the premium to be paid by the sponsors and organisers.
“The Governor has issued the following directives to the State Government: Arrest the organisers of the event. Refund money to those who purchased the tickets. Levy charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public places Judicial enquiry into the entire matter Suspend police officers who did not take precautions Henceforth a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations. RAF should be ready Insurance scheme for the spectators for which the premium is to be paid by the sponsors and organisers,” added the Governor’s office.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level enquiry after chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi’s appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to the Argentine legend, his fans and sports lovers.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after disgruntled fans, upset over poor crowd management and Messi’s brief appearance at the venue, allegedly vandalised parts of the stadium. The incident prompted the state government to announce the formation of an enquiry committee to determine responsibility and recommend corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a post on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed by the events at the stadium.
” 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,” the Chief Minister said in her post.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members,” she added.
The Chief Minister further stated that the committee would conduct a detailed probe into the incident. “The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers,” Banerjee said.
Earlier, Lionel Messi virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of himself at Lake Town in Kolkata on Saturday, along with West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose.
The Argentine football legend arrived in the City of Joy early morning to an overwhelming reception from fans. Enthusiastic supporters gathered in large numbers across key locations in Kolkata, eager to catch a glimpse of the global football icon, reflecting the immense popularity Messi enjoys in the country, particularly in West Bengal. (ANI)
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