Lionel Messi’s team blames ex-Bengal minister for Kolkata event chaos | Football News
Fresh developments have emerged in the investigation into the alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi‘s ‘GOAT India Tour’ event at Kolkata’s Yuva Bharati Krirangan in December last year. On Wednesday, members of Messi’s team reportedly approached the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate and pointed fingers at former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas for the chaos that unfolded during the football icon’s visit.According to a senior Bidhannagar Police official, an email was sent to Police Commissioner Tripurari Atharv by a member of Messi’s entourage who had travelled to India as an adviser for the event and was present on the field alongside the Argentine superstar.The communication reportedly stated that the situation at the stadium spiralled out of control after Aroop Biswas entered the playing area. The complaint alleged that the then Sports Minister repeatedly touched Messi on his shoulder and waist while attempting to take photographs with him.It further claimed that several individuals accompanied Biswas onto the field despite not being authorised to access the area. While only three photographers were supposed to be present near the players, the complaint stated that nearly 40 people eventually entered the field, creating a situation that allegedly left Messi concerned about his security.According to the email, the circumstances became so uncomfortable that Messi was unable to continue participating in the programme and was forced to leave the field earlier than planned.Messi’s representatives also reportedly clarified that event organiser Satadru Dutta was not responsible for the incident and had no role in the footballer’s premature departure from the stadium.Reacting to the latest development, Dutta told reporters, “This will definitely help in the investigation.”Dutta, who was arrested following the events of December 13 last year, has consistently accused Aroop Biswas of being responsible for the disorder witnessed at the venue. After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, he filed a complaint with Bidhannagar Police, alleging that the former minister was responsible for major security lapses during Messi’s visit.The legal battle has also intensified. On Tuesday, Dutta moved the Calcutta High Court challenging the protection granted to Biswas in connection with the case. His counsel, Arindam Jana, raised the matter before the division bench headed by the Chief Justice. Court sources indicated that the bench permitted the matter to proceed, with a hearing expected later this week.The case stems from an FIR lodged against Biswas, following which he sought protection from arrest. Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court granted him relief subject to several conditions, including cooperation with the investigation. The court also directed Bidhannagar Police to conduct an independent and impartial probe.Dutta has additionally alleged that 70,000 tickets were printed for Messi’s event at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex and claimed that Biswas alone took possession of 22,000 tickets because of his position and influence. According to Dutta, those tickets were later distributed among the former minister’s associates and also sold, contributing to the disorder witnessed on the day.Police have issued multiple notices summoning Biswas for questioning regarding the allegations. However, after initially citing health issues for not appearing, he has reportedly not attended questioning despite receiving further notices.
