Mamata Banerjee Issues Public Apology Following Chaos at Lionel Messi's Kolkata Event: Investigation Ordered

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly apologized to Lionel Messi and his fans following the chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The Chief Minister expressed her shock at the "mismanagement" of the event and immediately ordered an investigative committee to examine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

"I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I sincerely apologize to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," stated Banerjee, who was en route to the stadium when the chaos unfolded.

The situation deteriorated when frustrated fans breached security protocols and vandalized stadium facilities after being unable to properly see the Argentine football star during his brief appearance. The incident has caused significant embarrassment for the ruling Trinamool Congress party just months before upcoming elections.

Banerjee announced the formation of an inquiry committee led by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary of Home and Hill Affairs Department serving as members. This committee will conduct a thorough investigation, assign responsibility, and recommend preventive measures for future events.

Trinamool Congress attributed the incident to "hooligans" whose actions have left Kolkata "ashamed." Meanwhile, Messi, who arrived in Kolkata early that morning for the first stop of his three-day India tour, had unveiled a statue of himself before proceeding to the stadium where thousands of fans had gathered.

Many attendees, despite paying between Rs 3,500 and Rs 14,000 for tickets, were unable to see their idol. The BJP opposition claimed this was because "inept Trinamool leaders" surrounded the player. As frustrations mounted, hundreds of fans stormed the grounds, with some throwing bottles and chairs, and damaging stadium infrastructure while police struggled to maintain order.

The deteriorating situation forced organizers to quickly escort Messi away from the venue. Notable figures including Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Banerjee were unable to participate as the event was abruptly curtailed.

The BJP launched sharp criticism against Banerjee and her party, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala describing the event as a "total embarrassment on an international stage." BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya called the incident a "huge disgrace" that would be remembered historically, and demanded the resignation of state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas.

Defending itself, Trinamool Congress redirected blame toward the event organizers. Party leader Kunal Ghosh questioned the planning and execution: "Why wasn't Messi kept alone ahead during the stadium lap? Why were the gallery spectators deprived? Because of these organizers and some hooligans, everyone was deprived. Kolkata was shamed. The spectators' anger is justified."