Kolkata, 22 December (H.S.) :

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday reserved its order on a petition seeking a central agency probe into the alleged mismanagement and financial irregularities linked to an event at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, which featured Argentine football star Lionel Messi and later descended into chaos and vandalism.

The hearings on the public interest litigations, which demanded an independent central investigation into both the disorder during the event and the alleged irregularities in ticket sales, concluded before the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen. After hearing arguments from all sides, the bench chose to reserve its verdict.

During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioners contended that a central agency probe was essential, arguing that the ongoing inquiries, one by a committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and headed by a retired Calcutta High Court judge, and another by a special investigation team of the state police, lacked credibility.

The petitioners’ lawyers further alleged that Messi was made to attend unscheduled programmes before reaching Salt Lake Stadium, allegedly at the behest of influential individuals. As a result, he arrived late at the main event, and spectators who had purchased tickets at very high prices were denied adequate opportunity to see him.

According to the petitioners, Messi remained surrounded by politically influential persons and their family members, which angered the crowd and eventually triggered chaos and vandalism inside the stadium.

Representing the state government, counsel argued that the responsibility for Messi’s security at the stadium lay with the central armed police forces. The state’s lawyer also outlined the steps taken by the government to manage the situation following the outbreak of disorder.

The court is expected to pronounce its order at a later date.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh