Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded a showcase from the state’s top cop Rajeev Kumar, in connection with the ugly aftermath of the Lionel Messi event in Salt Lake stadium that was held on December 13 (Saturday). The apex government administrator also suspended DCP Aneesh Kumar, who was handed responsibility for the law and order situation for the Yuva Bharati Stadium event on the first leg of the star footballer’s first leg of the GOAT India Tour that began in Kolkata last Saturday.
This comes after Mamata Banerjee ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire into the vandalism that broke out in the stadium during the soccer player’s programme. “In pursuance of the preliminary report dated 15/12/2025 if the Inquiry Committee constituted to inquire into the incident that took place in the Vivekandanda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (YBK), Salt Lake on Deceber 13, 2025 following administrative actions have been taken: Shri Rajeev Kumar, DGP, West Bengal has been served show-cause notice to clarify within 24 hours of the communication on why such mismanagement and lapses happened in the stadium on that day and why proper coordination with concerned stakeholders, including the private organizer, was not carried out to ensure smooth conduct of the event,” a press release from the Officer of Chief Secretary said.
Further, the press release also informed that department proceedings against DCP Aneesh Kumar (IPS) were also initiated “for his reported negligence in his duties and responsibilities on the day of the event.” The order from the state secretariat additionally communicated that he has placed under “suspension till the completion of the inquiry.”
Apart from police, show-cause notices have also been tendered to Principal Secretary of Youth Affairs & Sports Department Rajesh Kumar Sinha and CEO of YBK Deb Kumar Nandan seeking clarification on the fiasco that gripped Salt Lake Stadium.
