An email from the team of football icon Lionel Messi to the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate has added a dramatic international dimension to the controversy surrounding his visit to Kolkata last December and the chaos at Yuva Bharati Stadium.
According to sources, the recent communication from Messi’s team squarely holds former state Sports Minister Arup Biswas responsible for the alleged mismanagement and irregularities during the high-profile “GOAT Tour” event. The email was reportedly sent by a senior official who had accompanied Messi on the Kolkata tour and was present throughout the event, lending significant weight to the claims.
The complaint states that disruptions began when Biswas entered the field during the scheduled programme, allegedly deviating from established protocol. It further accuses him of “overzealous” conduct, claiming he repeatedly made physical contact with Messi in the VVIP area and on the field, including placing his hands on the player’s shoulders and waist for photographs, which reportedly made the footballer uncomfortable.
Serious concerns regarding security lapses have also been raised. The email alleges that several individuals without proper authorisation were allowed onto the field alongside the former minister. While regulations permitted only a limited number of official photographers, the presence of a large crowd reportedly led to chaos and compromised security arrangements.
Messi, according to the communication, was disturbed by the situation and felt unsafe, ultimately forcing him to leave the event prematurely. The email also reportedly clarifies that the event’s principal organiser, Shatadru Dutta, had no control over the developments and that the arrangements were effectively overridden by the exercise of political influence.
The controversy has simultaneously intensified in the legal arena. Dutta has filed a fresh petition before the Calcutta High Court challenging the legal protection earlier granted to Biswas. His counsel raised the matter before a Division Bench led by the Chief Justice, which has reportedly permitted the filing of the case. A hearing is expected later this week.
Earlier, following the registration of an FIR, Biswas had secured protection from arrest from a Single Bench of the High Court, which directed him to cooperate with the investigation. However, Dutta has now challenged that order, seeking a more stringent probe.
In his complaint, Dutta has also alleged large-scale irregularities in ticket distribution. He claimed that out of 70,000 tickets printed for the event, nearly 22,000 were allegedly appropriated by the former minister and subsequently distributed or sold, leading to overcrowding and disorder at the venue.
The Bidhannagar Police had earlier issued multiple notices to Biswas for questioning, though he initially cited ill health to avoid appearance before investigators. He later approached the court and obtained interim relief.
With the emergence of the email from Messi’s team, investigators are now expected to closely examine the new allegations, which could significantly impact the ongoing probe and the legal proceedings against the former minister.
Also read: Third notice to ex-minister Aroop Biswas in ‘Messi event’ case
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