A division bench of the Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea for a central agency investigation into the chaos and vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium during an event involving Argentine footballer Lionel Messi earlier this month. The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, concluded the hearing on Monday and reserved the order.
Later on Monday evening, the division bench issued the order denying the request for a central agency probe. The bench stated that the ongoing parallel investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of West Bengal Police and a committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were deemed impartial at present.
The public interest litigations had sought a central agency probe into both the chaos at the event and alleged financial irregularities related to ticket sales. The petitioners’ counsels argued that the current investigations by state authorities lacked credibility, necessitating a central agency’s intervention.
According to the petitioners’ representatives, the mismanagement stemmed from Messi’s delayed arrival at the stadium due to unscheduled programs, causing discontent among ticket holders who were unable to see him clearly. They claimed that Messi was surrounded by politically influential individuals, leading to the chaotic situation.
The state government’s counsel emphasized that Messi’s security at the stadium fell under the purview of the Central Armed Police Forces. The lawyer outlined the government’s response to the incident, highlighting the measures taken to address the mismanagement and disorder.
In its final decision, the division bench rejected the petitioners’ arguments and declined the plea for a central agency probe into the matter.
