Footballer Lionel Messi started his India tour from Kolkata on a rough note. The Salt Lake Stadium of the city saw a large number of Messi fans coming in to see their favourite sportsman in person. However, things didn’t go as planned and crowd mismanagement was followed by chaos inside the stadium. In the wake of the alleged mismanagement during the programme, West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas earlier today (Dec 16) submitted his resignation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later accepted his resignation.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh confirmed that the chief minister has accepted Biswas’s resignation and will temporarily hold the sports and youth welfare portfolio herself. He will, however, continue in the state cabinet and retain charge of the power department.

What happened at Salt Lake stadium?

Chaos broke out after the audience started throwing plastic bottles and vandalised the stadium chairs. They complained that despite buying expensive tickets for the event, they could not see Messi either on the field or on the big ground screens.

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Videos that surfaced on the internet from the venue after the event showed the 5-feet-7 footballer surrounded by circles of security personnels, VIPs and camerapersons. Spectators alleged that it was difficult to catch a sight of Messi from the stands with all the people surrounding him.

Govt takes action

The state government has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against senior police officials. Based on a preliminary enquiry report dated December 15, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar was issued a show-cause notice. Kumar was asked to submit a clarification within 24 hours regarding alleged lapses in planning and coordination with stakeholders, including the private event organiser.

Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar has similarly been served a show-cause notice and directed to explain the role of his commissionerate in managing crowd control and security at the venue.

Moreover, departmental proceedings have been initiated against Aneesh Sarkar, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, for alleged negligence of duty. He has been placed under suspension pending the completion of the enquiry.