Impasse over security fee at Eden Gardens

KOLKATA: The Kolkata Police today hoped to sort out an impasse with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) over an alleged demand of Rs 35 lakh towards security arrangements for the much-hyped Sachin Tendulkar's penultimate Test at the Eden Gardens from November 6.

However, Kolkata Police Commissioner Surojit Kar Purakayastha refused to reveal the exact amount and said the matter could be sorted out through discussions.

"I am not saying about the amount we had told them. I don't know why so much is being said quoting a figure or amount. If we had demanded money for our services and arrangement along with the equipment deployed, then the amount would have been much higher," Purakayastha told PTI, adding, "I believe the matter can be sorted out through discussion after considering all aspects".

A CAB official today claimed the Kolkata Police had demanded about Rs 35 lakh for providing security cover during the match.

"On previous occasions, we used to pay Rs 5-7 lakh to the police. Now, the Kolkata Police is asking for five to seven times more, near about Rs 35 lakh, which is too high," the official said.

The CAB official said, the police need to be considerate with such a high profile match before making such demands and where the country's prestige is involved.

State sports minister Madan Mitra refused to comment on the matter.

"This is not a platform to comment on such issues," said Mitra, on the sidelines of inaugurating a tableau on Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar will play his 199th Test at the Eden Gardens before he bids adieu to international cricket at the Wakhende Stadium in Mumbai after playing his 200th Test.