The fallout from the chaotic event featuring world champion football star Lionel Messi at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan has intensified, with Bidhannagar South Police summoning former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas for questioning. Acting on a First Information Report (FIR) filed in connection with the incident, police have directed Biswas to appear in person at the Bidhannagar South Police Station on June 5. Confirming the development, a police official said that the investigating team considers it necessary to interrogate the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader based on the complaint received regarding the “Messi incident.”

The controversy has further deepened following a lawsuit filed by Shatadru Dutta, the principal organiser of the mega-event held at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 last year. Dutta has sought Rs 100 crore in damages, alleging defamation and financial loss. In his complaint, he has accused Biswas of extortion, criminal intimidation, and the misuse and sale of complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, and VIP passes.

Earlier, Dutta himself was arrested on charges of causing disorder at the stadium after the event but is currently out on bail. Upon his release, he escalated his allegations against the former minister, leading to the registration of an FIR by Bidhannagar South Police last Saturday.

According to police sources, a case has been registered against Biswas under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to common intention, extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy.

In anticipation of possible arrest, Biswas has already approached the court seeking anticipatory bail.

Dutta has alleged that during Messi’s visit, the former minister forcibly demanded approximately 22,000 complimentary tickets, threatening cancellation of the event if his demands were not met. These tickets were allegedly sold illegally, contributing to large-scale mismanagement inside the stadium.

As a result, many spectators who had purchased tickets reportedly worth thousands of rupees were unable to witness the event properly due to overcrowding and disorder. A significant portion of the stadium was allegedly occupied by political figures and their associates.

The chaos and subsequent public outrage had earlier compelled Biswas to step down as Sports Minister following the initiation of an investigation. Police informed the court that around 35,000 football fans had purchased tickets amounting to approximately Rs 19 crore to attend the event.

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