Lionel Messi's team blames ex-Bengal minister Aroop Biswas for Kolkata event chaos, clears organiser

According to sources within the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, an adviser who accompanied Messi to India and was present on the field during the event sent an email to Police Commissioner Tripurari Atharv detailing concerns about what transpired at the stadium.

Messi’s team raises security concerns

The communication reportedly stated that the situation deteriorated after Aroop Biswas entered the playing area during the programme.

According to the complaint, the former minister repeatedly attempted to take photographs with Messi and allegedly touched the Argentine football legend on the shoulder and waist during the interaction.

The email further claimed that several individuals accompanied Biswas onto the field despite lacking authorisation to access the restricted area.

While only three photographers were initially permitted near the players, the complaint alleged that the number eventually swelled to nearly 40 people, creating what Messi’s representatives described as a serious security concern.

According to the communication, the circumstances became sufficiently uncomfortable that Messi was unable to continue with the scheduled programme and left the field earlier than planned.

Organiser given clean chit

Messi’s entourage reportedly clarified in the email that event organiser Satadru Dutta bore no responsibility for the incident and played no role in the footballer’s decision to leave the venue prematurely.

Reacting to the latest development, Dutta told reporters, “This will definitely help in the investigation.”

Dutta was arrested following the events of December 13 last year and has consistently maintained that the disorder at the stadium stemmed from actions linked to the former sports minister.

Legal battle intensifies

After the BJP assumed power in West Bengal, Dutta lodged a complaint with Bidhannagar Police, accusing Biswas of being responsible for major security lapses during Messi’s visit.

The legal dispute has since escalated.

On Tuesday, Dutta approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the protection granted to Biswas in connection with the case.

His lawyer, Arindam Jana, mentioned the matter before a division bench headed by the Chief Justice.

According to court sources, the bench allowed the issue to proceed, with a hearing expected later this week.

The matter originates from an FIR registered against Biswas. Following the filing of the case, the former minister sought protection from arrest.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court granted him interim relief subject to several conditions, including full cooperation with investigators.

The court also directed Bidhannagar Police to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into the allegations.

Ticket distribution allegations surface

Dutta has also levelled allegations regarding ticket distribution for Messi’s Kolkata appearance.

According to him, approximately 70,000 tickets were printed for the event at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex.

He claimed that Biswas allegedly acquired around 22,000 tickets owing to his political influence and position.

Dutta further alleged that these tickets were subsequently distributed among the former minister’s associates and sold to others, contributing significantly to the crowd management issues witnessed on the day of the event.

Police summons and ongoing probe

Investigators have issued multiple notices asking Biswas to appear for questioning regarding the allegations.

Police sources said the former minister initially cited health-related reasons for not attending.

However, he has reportedly not appeared before investigators despite receiving two more summons.

The Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate continues to investigate the allegations as authorities examine claims related to security lapses, unauthorised access to restricted areas and the overall management of Messi’s high-profile visit to Kolkata.