Aroop Biswas appears before Kolkata police second time in Messi event case
Synopsis
Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas walked into Bidhannagar South Police Station for the second time in the Messi GOAT India Tour mismanagement case — this time under court protection extended till 17 August. With allegations of 22,000 tickets allegedly siphoned and a fresh post-government-change FIR, the case is as much a political flashpoint as a criminal probe.
Key Takeaways
Aroop Biswas appeared before Bidhannagar South Police Station on 7 July — his second appearance in the Messi event case.
The case stems from an FIR by event organiser Satadru Dutta over alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi 's visit on 13 December last year.
Dutta alleged Biswas took nearly 22,000 of approximately 70,000 tickets printed for the event.
The Calcutta High Court has extended Biswas's protection from coercive action until 17 August .
Biswas had skipped multiple earlier summons before appearing on 18 June following the initial court order.
Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas on Tuesday, 7 July appeared before investigators for the second time in connection with the alleged mismanagement during Argentine football star Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour event at Kolkata's Yuva Bharati Krirangan last year. Biswas, a senior All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, reached the Bidhannagar South Police Station at around 10 am, accompanied by his lawyer, acting on a notice served by police on Saturday.
Background of the Case
The case originates from an FIR filed by Satadru Dutta, the principal organiser of the event, who alleged that Biswas played a central role in the disorder that unfolded at Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake during Messi's appearance on 13 December last year. Dutta alleged that approximately 70,000 tickets were printed for the event, of which Biswas allegedly took nearly 22,000 tickets by virtue of his official position and subsequently distributed or sold them among associates.
Legal Protection and Court Orders
Prior to his first appearance on 18 June, Biswas had skipped multiple summons before approaching the Calcutta High Court for protection from coercive action. A single bench granted him interim protection until 2 July. Dutta challenged that order before a division bench, which declined to interfere and upheld the relief. The protection has since been extended until 17 August, allowing Biswas to cooperate with the investigation without risk of arrest.
Dutta's Allegations and His Own Arrest
Dutta himself was arrested in the aftermath of the alleged chaos at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex following Messi's visit. After a change of government in the state, he filed a fresh complaint with the Bidhannagar Police, reiterating that Biswas bore responsibility for the security lapses and organisational failures that marred the high-profile football event. Dutta has consistently held the former minister accountable for the crowd mismanagement witnessed that evening.
What Happens Next
With court-granted protection in place until 17 August, investigators are expected to continue questioning Biswas as part of the ongoing probe. The case has drawn significant political attention in West Bengal, given Biswas's stature within the TMC and the prominence of the Messi event. How the investigation proceeds — and whether fresh legal challenges emerge — will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Aroop Biswas being questioned by police?
Biswas is being questioned in connection with alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour event at Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 13 December last year. Event organiser Satadru Dutta filed an FIR accusing him of playing a central role in the chaos and allegedly misappropriating nearly 22,000 tickets.
Is this Aroop Biswas's first appearance before police in this case?
No, this was his second appearance. Biswas first appeared before investigators on 18 June after obtaining interim protection from the Calcutta High Court. He had skipped multiple earlier summons before the court order compelled his cooperation.
What protection does Aroop Biswas have from arrest?
The Calcutta High Court has granted Biswas protection from coercive action, currently extended until 17 August. A division bench declined to disturb the single bench's order after organiser Satadru Dutta challenged it.
What exactly is Satadru Dutta's allegation against Biswas?
Dutta alleges that Biswas, using his official position, took approximately 22,000 of the roughly 70,000 tickets printed for the event and distributed or sold them among associates. Dutta also holds him responsible for the security lapses and crowd mismanagement that marred the event.
What happened to Satadru Dutta after the Messi event?
Dutta was himself arrested following the alleged chaos at the Yuva Bharati Sports Complex. After a change of government in West Bengal, he filed a fresh complaint with the Bidhannagar Police reiterating his allegations against Biswas.
