Messi Fiasco Fallout: Mamata Banerjee Takes Charge of Sports, Cops Get Notice

In the wake of the chaos during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has temporarily taken charge of the state’s Sports Department, after Sports Minister Aroop Biswas offered to resign to ensure an impartial investigation.

Messi’s Kolkata visit sparks chaos as fans struggle to get a glimpse while VIPs, including Aroop Biswas, take center stage. Mamata Banerjee takes temporary charge of Sports Department amid investigation.

Biswas, who also oversees Youth Affairs, Power and Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, reportedly wrote to Banerjee on December 13, expressing his desire to step aside until the probe concludes. His resignation has not yet been accepted, but he will not perform ministerial duties during the investigation. “I think he is very much correct and until the impartial inquiry is over, the Sports Department will be looked after by me for the time being,” the Chief Minister’s Office stated.

Special Investigation Team Formed

The West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to probe the incident. The team includes Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Annesh Sarkar, and Principal Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Rajesh Sinha. Additionally, Deb Kumar Nandan, CEO of Salt Lake Stadium, has been removed from his post.

Fans’ Fury and Event Mismanagement

The controversy erupted as Messi’s 30-minute appearance was largely overshadowed by VIPs, including Biswas and other officials, leaving many fans frustrated. Football supporters from across Bengal, who had spent thousands on tickets, struggled to get a glimpse of the football legend. Several attendees criticized Biswas for prioritizing selfies with Messi over fan access.

Chief Minister Banerjee expressed regret over the situation, stating she was “deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement.” She added, “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”