Kolkata, 20 December (H.S.): Questions continue to mount over the investigation into the chaos that erupted during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi’s event at Salt Lake Stadium, as the probe committee formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is yet to summon any minister or other influential figure, even seven days after taking charge.

The committee, headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Asim Kumar Roy, has come under criticism for not questioning prominent individuals who were reportedly seen close to Messi on the day of the event. Allegations suggest that the presence of these influential figures prevented spectators, despite purchasing expensive tickets, from getting a clear view of the football star. Former sports minister Arup Biswas and members of his family have also been named in these allegations.

This has raised further questions about whether Arup Biswas, who resigned as sports minister but continues as power minister, will be kept out of the ambit of the investigation. However, state government sources have asserted that the administration has adopted a firm stance and made it clear that no one is above the probe. If required, the roles of ministers, senior police officers and bureaucrats will also be examined.

According to sources, the probe committee may submit its second report to the Chief Minister within the next 15 days. This report will be based on findings from four sub-committees and a Special Investigation Team. There are indications that more officers may be added to the SIT to expedite the process of uncovering the truth.

No fixed deadline has been set for the SIT, with officials saying this is to ensure that the investigation is not rushed. A senior state administration official said that while the probe is not time-bound, efforts are being made to submit the report at the earliest. Maintaining transparency remains the administration’s primary focus.

The state government is also concerned about damage caused to the stadium infrastructure. The Public Works Department is assessing damage to gates, seating and other property. However, no repair or reconstruction work will be permitted until the collection of crucial information and evidence from the site is completed.

To prevent similar chaos during future international events, the government is also planning stricter measures. Administrative sources said that standard operating procedures for such events would be tightened further once the investigation report is submitted.

In connection with show-cause notices issued earlier, two senior IPS officers and one senior government official have already submitted their replies. Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Sports Department Rajesh Kumar Sinha, and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar have submitted their respective reports.

In its preliminary report, the probe committee cited lack of coordination and mismanagement as the main reasons behind the chaos. Based on these findings, the state government initiated administrative action against several IPS and government officials. Show-cause notices were issued to the DGP and the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, while the Chief Executive Officer of Yuva Bharati Krirangan was removed. A Special Investigation Team comprising senior IPS officers was also formed.

Bidhannagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Anish Kumar has been suspended and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him on charges of dereliction of duty on the day of the event.

On December 13, well before Messi’s arrival, Salt Lake Stadium was already filled to capacity. As soon as Messi entered the venue, spectators rushed forward to take photographs with him. Despite the presence of security personnel, the situation quickly went out of control, with many spectators claiming they could not even see Messi properly.

About 22 minutes later, Messi left the field, after which the situation worsened. Chairs and bottles were thrown onto the field from the stands, several people attempted to break gates to enter the ground, and vandalism was reported in galleries and toilets.

Following the incident, the state government constituted the probe committee and arrested event organiser Shatadru Dutta. Arup Biswas had resigned from the post of sports minister on Tuesday in the wake of the controversy.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh