Fresh Notice issued to ex-Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas in Messi Event chaos case
Police have issued a fresh notice to former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, asking him to appear before investigators within 48 hours in connection with the probe into the chaos that erupted during Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium last year.
According to sources, Biswas had not responded to two earlier notices issued by Bidhannagar Police and had sought additional time citing personal reasons. Investigators have now served a third notice at his registered address.
The fresh summons comes after the Calcutta High Court granted Biswas protection from coercive action until August 17. The court, however, directed him to cooperate with the investigation and appear before police upon receiving a notice at least 48 hours in advance.
The case originates from a complaint filed by event organiser Shatadru Dutta, who accused Biswas of ticket black-marketing, extortion, criminal intimidation and cheating in connection with Messi’s high-profile visit to Kolkata in December 2025.
The event at Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos after large crowds allegedly entered the venue without valid access, resulting in overcrowding, security breaches and widespread disorder. Several ticket holders complained that they were unable to properly watch the programme despite purchasing expensive passes.
Amid the commotion, Messi reportedly left the venue early, while angry spectators vandalised parts of the stadium. The controversy sparked a major political row, with allegations of poor planning and crowd management dominating public discourse.
Dutta was later arrested in connection with the case and spent 37 days in custody before securing bail. Following his release, he blamed Biswas for the event's failure and the financial losses suffered by organisers.
