Kolkata: The SIT probing the Lionel Messi event fiasco on Dec 13 is focusing on particular blocks of the Salt Lake stadium from where they believe the “vandalism” was initiated. The cops are now certain that the first round of bottle throwing began from the lower tiers of the AD cutout of the stadium, close to the entry and exit that Messi used that day.“The CCTV footage from this block was sent to forensic experts for freezing each footage. We have finalised the area – close to the VIP tents set up in the playing arena,” said an officer. There was a continuous bombardment of water bottles on that day after Messi left the stadium, recollected cops. “Initially, no bottles were thrown from the upper or middle tiers. SIT officers are probing if the first bottle was thrown from the lower tier. It is suspected the view from the front was obstructed due to the placement of tents.”Another team, comprising Bidhannagar cops and monitored by SIT, has questioned at least two officials of main organiser Satadru Dutta’s company. While one of them handled VIP tickets and passes, others were responsible for giving out food and water tenders. One of them was also present in liaison meetings with state agencies. The third person to record his statement on Thursday represented the online firm that handled online ticketing for the event. The SIT officials said several more may be examined.The cops asked the two organisers to share the official list – that was provided to police before the event – containing the exact names and numbers of those given ground access. They were also asked about the signatories to the cards of those present on the field on the event day, who issued these access cards, and how many people were finally on the field last Saturday.The development comes on the day that cops seized CCTV footage from outside the stadium. “We believe even as the Messi event went off without a glitch inside the hotel, a number of activities took place outside the two gates close to each other – the hotel and the stadium. The fact that the close-proximity passes got distributed – and even bought – from this point, too, has been recorded in certain videos,” said a police source. Cops are also searching for those who took govt property home. Cops have collected footage and identified several individuals. After the vandalism, many were seen leaving with chairs, carpets, and other items.
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