Kolkata, June 17: A new development has emerged regarding the chaos that occurred during football star Lionel Messi’s ‘Goat India Tour’ last December at the Youth Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. On Wednesday, Messi’s team visited the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate to accuse former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas of causing disorder at the event.
According to police sources, a member of Messi’s team, who accompanied him on his India tour as an advisor, emailed Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Tripurari Atharv. The email claimed that the chaos in the stadium began when the then Sports Minister Arup Biswas entered the field.
The email alleged that Arup Biswas repeatedly attempted to touch Messi’s shoulders and waist to take pictures with him. Additionally, several unauthorized individuals entered the field alongside him.
The complaint stated that only three photographers were allowed on the field, yet around 40 people were present at that time. This made Messi uncomfortable and raised serious concerns about his security. Consequently, Messi had to leave the event prematurely.
Messi’s team clarified that the event organizer, Satadru Dutta, was not responsible for the entire incident, and the situation was beyond his control.
Meanwhile, Satadru Dutta also mentioned that the information provided by Messi’s team would assist in the investigation. Notably, Dutta was arrested following the chaos on December 13 last year. He has repeatedly accused former Minister Arup Biswas of gross negligence regarding security arrangements and causing disorder.
After the BJP government took office, Satadru Dutta filed a complaint against Arup Biswas with the Bidhannagar Police, holding him accountable for the security lapse. On Tuesday, he filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the legal protection granted to Arup Biswas in this matter.
Dutta’s lawyer, Arindam Jana, brought the case before the Chief Justice’s bench, which accepted the petition. A hearing on this matter is expected to take place later this week.
It is noteworthy that after an FIR was filed, Arup Biswas sought protection from the court to avoid arrest. Justice Sougata Bhattacharya granted him interim relief with certain conditions, directing him to cooperate with the investigation and ordering the Bidhannagar Police to conduct a fair inquiry.
Satadru Dutta claims that a total of 70,000 tickets were printed for Messi’s event, of which 22,000 were allegedly acquired by then Sports Minister Arup Biswas using his influence. Dutta accused the minister of distributing these tickets among acquaintances and selling some, which led to a massive crowd and chaotic situation at the event.
The police have issued several notices to Arup Biswas for questioning in this case, but he has yet to participate in any inquiry.
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