Aroop Biswas appears before Police again in Messi event probe

Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas appeared before the Bidhannagar Police on Monday for the second time in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding an event featuring Argentine football legend Lionel Messi at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

Biswas had earlier skipped three police summonses before appearing for questioning for the first time last week. The probe stems from a complaint filed by event organiser Shatadru Dutta, who has accused the Trinamool Congress leader of ticket black-marketing, extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation linked to the December 2025 event.

An FIR was registered on May 17 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Dutta alleged that nearly 22,000 tickets were sold illegally in the black market and claimed Biswas misused his position as the then sports minister to influence the event's management.

The programme had sparked controversy after several spectators allegedly vandalised parts of the stadium, claiming they were unable to see Messi despite purchasing expensive tickets, as VIPs and influential individuals surrounded the football star on the field.

Dutta, who was arrested in the case and later granted bail after spending 37 days in custody, has repeatedly blamed Biswas for the event's failure and the financial losses suffered by organisers. Current Sports Minister Indranil Khan has also alleged serious mismanagement during the event, calling it an embarrassment for football fans in the state.