Messi Mess
Messi event chaos: WB govt show-causes DGP, suspends Bidhannagar dy CP
Kolkata/IBNS: The West Bengal government has initiated disciplinary action against senior police officials, including the state’s Director General of Police, following alleged mismanagement during the Lionel Messi event held at the Salt Lake football stadium earlier this month.
According to a statement issued by the office of Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, the state has also suspended Bidhannagar Deputy Police Commissioner Aneesh Sarkar in connection with the incident.
Probe panel flags serious lapses
The action follows recommendations made by a three-member inquiry committee constituted to examine the chaos that unfolded during the December 13 event.
The panel was headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Roy.
Based on its findings, the government issued a show-cause notice to DGP Rajeev Kumar, seeking an explanation for the reported lapses at the venue.
The notice has set a 24-hour deadline for a response.
Police leadership asked to explain role
Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar has also been served a show-cause notice.
He has been asked to clarify the role and conduct of the commissionerate in managing the high-profile football event, which saw widespread disorder and vandalism inside the stadium.
The government statement said the failure in crowd control and security arrangements led to significant disruption, forcing an early end to the marquee event.
Suspension and departmental action ordered
Deputy Commissioner Aneesh Sarkar has been placed under suspension, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him for alleged negligence of duty on the day of the event.
In addition, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha has been issued a show-cause notice over administrative lapses linked to the programme.
The services of Salt Lake Stadium Chief Executive Officer Deb Kumar Nandan have also been withdrawn with immediate effect.
SIT formed to probe stadium violence
Acting on the inquiry panel’s recommendations, the state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident.
The SIT will comprise senior IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar.
The violence and disorder at the venue reportedly caused damage estimated at nearly Rs 2 crore.
The scale of the chaos also compelled football icon Lionel Messi to leave the stadium ahead of schedule, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory sporting event.
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