Former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas finally appeared on Thursday before the Bidhannagar South Police Station in connection with the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata. His appearance came after he had failed to respond to multiple police notices and followed directions from the Calcutta High Court. According to sources, Aroop Biswas reached the police station at around 9:55 am on Thursday.
High Court had directed him to cooperate
The former minister had earlier skipped several summons issued by investigators. The matter eventually reached the Calcutta High Court, which made it clear that he would have to appear before the police whenever called and extend full cooperation to the investigation.
Following those directions, Aroop Biswas appeared before the investigating officers on Thursday.
How the Messi event controversy began
The case traces its roots to December 13, 2025, when Lionel Messi's much-publicised event at Kolkata's Yuva Bharati Krirangan was marred by alleged irregularities and chaos. In the aftermath, Shatadru Dutta, who was considered one of the key figures behind bringing Messi to India, was arrested.
Angry fans vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium /ANI At the time, questions were raised in several quarters regarding the role of then Sports Minister Aroop Biswas. However, the issue did not witness significant political traction during the Trinamool Congress government's tenure.
Complaint filed against Aroop Biswas
The case took a fresh turn after the political change in West Bengal on May 4. Shatadru Dutta, who spent 38 days in jail in connection with the Messi event controversy, filed a complaint against Aroop Biswas at Bidhannagar South Police Station.
High Court directive followed as Arup Biswas joins Messi event probe. /ANI In his complaint, Dutta accused the former minister of financial irregularities involving crores of rupees and alleged misuse of power linked to the organisation of the Messi event.
Following the complaint, police began issuing notices to Aroop Biswas, seeking his presence for questioning.
Interim protection till August
Despite repeated notices, Aroop Biswas did not appear before investigators, citing different reasons on multiple occasions. The issue again came up before the Calcutta High Court.
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On June 10, the matter was heard in the court of Justice Sougata Bhattacharya. The court granted Aroop Biswas conditional interim protection until August 17 in connection with the FIR lodged by Shatadru Dutta.
/ANI At the same time, the court declined to halt the investigation and clearly stated that Aroop Biswas must appear before the police whenever summoned as part of the ongoing probe.
FAQs:
Why is Arup Biswas being questioned in the Messi event case?
Arup Biswas is being questioned over allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of power linked to the 2025 Lionel Messi event in Kolkata.
What is the Messi event controversy in Kolkata?
The controversy relates to alleged mismanagement, overcrowding, and financial irregularities during Lionel Messi's December 2025 event at Salt Lake Stadium.
