Kolkata, India – An inquiry panel, formed to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's recent event at Salt Lake Stadium, conducted an on-ground inspection of the venue today. The committee, established by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, aims to determine the causes of the disorder and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The panel is led by Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court. Key figures such as Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty are also crucial members of the investigating team. The committee's work follows widespread public discontent over the event's organization, which led to vandalism and forced Messi to leave the field prematurely. The main organizer of the event has been arrested.
Thousands of fans protested due to poor viewing arrangements and overall mismanagement. Chief Minister Banerjee has apologized to the fans and to Messi, promising a swift and thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
The inspection included a detailed review of the stadium's crowd management protocols and facilities. The panel is expected to scrutinize CCTV footage and interview relevant personnel to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to and during the chaos. The focus is on identifying shortcomings in the organization and implementation of safety measures.
Sources suggest that the investigation will cover various aspects, including ticket distribution, security arrangements, and the coordination between different agencies involved in managing the event. The committee will also assess the role of the event organizers and their adherence to established protocols.
The incident has raised serious questions about the planning and execution of large-scale events in the city. The findings of the inquiry panel are expected to have significant implications for future events, with recommendations likely to include stricter guidelines for organizers and enhanced monitoring by government agencies.
