Brazil in Kolkata
Kolkata: Nine months after Lionel Messi ’s fleeting appearance at the Salt Lake stadium ended in a crowd-control nightmare, police are leaving little to chance as the venue prepares for its first international football event since the fiasco — this time with three layers of frisking, nearly 2,000 police personnel, block-wise security strengthened several-fold and a multi-agency emergency plan in place including Personal Security Officers (PSOs) accompanying VIPs being prohibited inside the ground during the four-match international window starting with the India–Brazil friendly on Saturday. Police have advised spectators attending the India-Brazil match on Oct 3 to reach the stadium by 5 pm, two hours before the scheduled kick-off, to avoid congestion and delays. Around 32 personnel will be deployed in each block, compared with roughly three earlier.
Each ticket carries a specific seat number, while ramps have been numbered according to the corresponding blocks so that spectators use designated routes and do not congregate at common entry points,” another official said.
Cops said the four matches will turn the stadium into a sustained security operation, with police and the administration strengthening arrangements across the venue, its approach roads and parking areas. Police said the restriction would help reduce unnecessary movement inside the stadium and ensure that access to the ground remains tightly controlled. A second round of checking will take place while they move towards the main stadium building, followed by a final ticket verification and frisking at the ramps leading to individual blocks,” a senior officer of Bidhannagar City Police said.
With water bottles sold inside the stadium among the objects hurled at the stands during the Messi event, police have now barred water bottles and other items that could potentially be used as missiles from being taken inside. Outside food, banners, posters, umbrellas, sharp objects, weapons, inflammable items and laser lights will also be prohibited. Raincoats, however, will be allowed. Paid food kiosks will operate inside the stadium. The decision to keep VIP PSOs out of the stadium is among the most significant changes in the security protocol. their accompanying security personnel will not be permitted inside the playing area While VIPs will be allowed into designated areas. “This time, spectators will have to pass through three layers of ticket checking and frisking. At the first checkpoint, they will have to display their virtual mobile tickets at the outer perimeter gate. “Security inside individual blocks has also been strengthened substantially.
Water will be made available through paper-cup dispensers and booths across every block and level, cops said on Thursday.