Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour organiser, Satadru Dutta, has been arrested by Kolkata police. Notably, chaos broke out at the Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentina captain left the stadium early. Fans called for a refund of tickets.
Earlier West Bengal Governor, Mr. CV Ananda Bose was shocked at the pell-mell due to utter lack of management and planning in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings at the Salt Lake Stadium surrounding’s Messi’s visit.
While the organisers and sponsors of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation that unfolded, it is also the police that has failed the Government, the people and the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister. Due to their inaction this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports loving people of Kolkata.
Bengal Governor has issued the following directives to the State Government:
Arrest the organiser of the event.
Refund money to those who purchased the tickets.
Levy charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public places
Judicial enquiry into the entire matter
Suspend police officers who did not take precautions .
Henceforth a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations.
RAF should be ready.
Insurance scheme for the spectators for which the premium is to be paid by the sponsors and organisers.
It is very disturbing and painful that some private sponsors have used Messi’s name and commodified him to make a fast buck at the expense of the common man’s immense love and respect for Messi.
It is reflective of the sad state of affairs that there is perceptible lack of planning and management in organising the event. It is reported that the police have been used by the vested interests to aid and abet this nefarious design. Police must engage in their role and should have ensured smooth proceedings for the benefit of millions of Messi fans who were expected to converge to at least see their idol from a distance.
It is reported that the roads made at the expense of the tax payer’s money have been blocked.
This is completely not in sync with Bengal’s psyche and its love for football. Kolkata is referred to as the MECCA OF FOOTBALL due to its intense, historic passion for the sport.
Yesterday, on 12 December, Governor had drawn the notice of authorities to complaints that Lok Bhavan received during the course of the day. Mr.CV Ananda Bose’s s message of 12 Decdember was as follows:
After receiving hundreds of complaints from fans alleging they could not meet their favourite footballer Lionel Messi when he is in the city because of the hefty ticket price, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday evening wrote to state government seeking an elaborate report on the arrangements, an official said.
Bose, the source said, enquired in his letter that about the role of the state in Messi’s visit to Kolkata why a private person was “allowed” to earn money at the expense of the common people’s emotions.
“The Lok Bhavan is receiving calls and mails from football fans complaining that we’re unable to get the tickets for the Messi match as the ticket prices are beyond their reach. Now, the Governor is keen to know why is this happening? Why is not the common people unable to see their favourite star when he is here,” the official told PTI.
The Governor is shocked to learn that only a few people who have paid a hefty price for the ticket would be able to see the star Argentine footballer, he said.
“He has written to the state asking for a detailed report on who is the private person who is earning from Messi’s visit. “Why are the common people barred from seeing Messi?” he added , PTI sources.
It is a sad state of affairs that the legendary icon’s fans are being deprived of even a glimpse of their idol and only those who doled out large sums of money are being allowed.
Police have resorted to lathicharge to control Messi’s fans who were eager to catch a glimpse of their icon. Harassment of the common man is not a situation that gels with the visit of an international star and in full global glare.
The authorities should have anticipated the tide of fans and spectators.
Governor urges the State Government to take necessary action against the sponsors for their gross mismanagement of the event and more so for harassment of the common man.
(Inputs from Raj Bhavan Media cell)
(Edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee)
