Is There a War of Words Between the Central Agency and Bengal Minister Over Lionel Messi's Security in Kolkata?
Synopsis
A contentious debate has arisen between the Central Industrial Security Force and West Bengal's Minister regarding the security of Lionel Messi during his Kolkata visit, which led to chaotic fan encounters. This incident has highlighted significant administrative challenges within the local government.
Key Takeaways
Conflicting Claims: The CISF and Bengal Minister present opposing narratives regarding Messi's security.
CRPF's Role: Reports indicate that the CRPF was responsible for Messi's safety during his visit.
Government Actions: The West Bengal government has initiated administrative measures in response to the chaos at the event.
Public Safety Concerns: The incident raises questions about security protocols for high-profile events.
Kolkata, Dec 16 (NationPress) A heated dispute has emerged regarding the security arrangements for football icon Lionel Messi during his recent visit to Kolkata, which culminated in chaotic scenes as fans rushed onto the pitch, leading to acts of vandalism due to their disappointment at not being able to see him properly.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) publicly denied the assertions made by West Bengal Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay that they were responsible for Messi's security.
The CISF clarified in a post on X, stating, "We would like to clarify that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) did not provide any security cover to footballer Lionel Messi during his Kolkata visit. Security arrangements were managed by other appointed agencies."
This clarification followed West Bengal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay's claim that the CISF had taken over Messi's security.
Chattopadhyay told IANS, "Our leader, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has made the right decisions. This incident appears to be a significant conspiracy originating from Delhi. The CISF has provided security for Messi only in Kolkata. From the moment he arrived, the CISF was responsible for his safety, and the Kolkata Police were not allowed near his hotel at all. While some Trinamool leaders were present, they were kept away from Messi."
Reports also indicate that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was the agency actually tasked with ensuring Messi's safety during his stay in the city.
This situation unfolded amid administrative actions by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government against senior IPS officers following the unrest at Yuva Bharati Stadium on December 13.
On Tuesday, the state government issued show cause notices to Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, Bidhannagar Commissioner of Police Mukesh Kumar, and relieved the CEO of Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) of duty after the chaos during Messi's event.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior IPS officers has also been established to conduct an in-depth probe into the December 13 incident.
Additionally, the state administration suspended Bidhannagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Aneesh Kumar and initiated departmental proceedings against him for apparent negligence of duty during the event.
These administrative measures were prompted by the preliminary findings presented by the inquiry committee set up by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Point of View
It is imperative to present an unbiased account of the recent tensions surrounding Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata. The conflicting narratives between state officials and central agencies underscore the complexities of event management in high-profile situations. The administrative actions taken indicate a serious response to the disruptions, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring public safety and accountability.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provided security to Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata?
The security for Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata was provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), not the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), as previously claimed.
What led to the chaos at Yuva Bharati Stadium?
The chaos at Yuva Bharati Stadium occurred when fans stormed the pitch, resulting in vandalism after they were unable to see Lionel Messi properly.
What actions did the West Bengal government take following the incident?
The West Bengal government issued show cause notices to several senior police officials and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the incident.
Did the Kolkata Police have any role in Messi's security?
No, the Kolkata Police were reportedly excluded from the security arrangements for Messi's visit, which were managed by the CISF and CRPF.
What was the response of CISF to the claims made by the Bengal Minister?
The CISF publicly refuted the claims made by Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, stating they did not provide security for Messi during his visit.
