Kolkata, Dec 20 (NationPress) A week has elapsed since the investigative committee, appointed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and led by a retired judge from the Calcutta High Court, began probing the mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during an event featuring Argentine football icon Lionel Messi. However, the committee has not yet called upon any of the influential individuals implicated in the incident.

Concerns are mounting regarding the effectiveness of this inquiry, which is headed by retired Justice Asim Kumar Roy. Accusations have been directed at prominent figures, including former Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, suggesting they obstructed ticket-holding fans from witnessing Messi, despite the exorbitant prices paid for entry.

Questions linger over whether Biswas will evade scrutiny simply because he has resigned from his position as Sports Minister, while still retaining his role as Power Minister.

Nonetheless, sources within the state government have indicated a firm stance will be taken following this disarray, asserting that no individual is exempt from investigation. The conduct of ministers, senior police officials, and bureaucrats will also be scrutinized if deemed necessary.

Reports suggest that the committee will present its second report to the Chief Minister in the forthcoming 15 days, based on findings from four sub-committees and the Special Investigation Team (SIT). There are indications that additional officers may be appointed to the SIT to expedite the uncovering of facts.

However, no explicit timeline has been established for the SIT to avoid any delays in the investigation. A senior state official has stated that while the inquiry is not time-constrained, efforts are underway to finalize the report as soon as feasible, with a focus on ensuring transparency.

In the meantime, the government is also concerned about the condition of the stadium's infrastructure following the mayhem. The Public Works Department is currently assessing the damage inflicted on the stadium's gates, seating, and other facilities due to the influx of spectators. Reconstruction efforts cannot commence until the necessary information and evidence are gathered from the event site.

The state is also focusing on preventing such chaos from recurring at future international events. According to sources, specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are already in place, which will be reviewed and strengthened once the report is finalized.

On Thursday, two senior IPS officers and a government official responded to the show-cause notice issued by the state government regarding the incident. State police chief Rajeev Kumar, Principal Secretary for Sports Rajesh Kumar Sinha, and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar have also submitted their reports.

Tasked by the Chief Minister, the inquiry committee has identified mismanagement and a lack of coordination as primary factors that led to the disorder during Messi's event on December 13.

Following the committee's findings, the state government has taken administrative measures against various IPS and government officials, including issuing a show-cause notice to DGP Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, as well as removing the CEO of Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). Additionally, DCP Bidhannagar Aneesh Kumar has been suspended, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him due to his alleged negligence during the event.

On December 13, the stadium was filled well before Messi's appearance, with fans eagerly awaiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite player. However, chaos ensued upon Messi's arrival, with numerous individuals crowding around him, attempting to take photographs, while his security personnel were present. This led to a tumultuous atmosphere where spectators reported being unable to see Messi.

Messi departed the field after only 22 minutes, triggering a wave of vandalism. Chairs and bottles were hurled onto the field from the stands, and many fans broke down gates to rush onto the field. The galleries and restrooms of Yuva Bharati Krirangan also suffered extensive damage.

In response to this incident, the state government established an investigative committee. Event organizer Satadru Dutta has been apprehended, and on Tuesday, Biswas submitted his resignation as Sports Minister.