Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.): Event organiser Satadru Dutta has lodged a complaint at Bidhannagar South Police Station against former West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas, former Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, New Alipore councillor Juin Biswas, and IAS officer Santanu Basu over alleged disruption during football star Lionel Messi’s India tour event at Salt Lake Stadium in December 2025.
A senior police officer confirmed that the complaint has been accepted, although specific sections under which the case will proceed are yet to be determined.
In his complaint, Dutta alleged that former minister Arup Biswas misused his official position and influence to facilitate the entry of a large number of unauthorised persons onto the stadium grounds, leading to a major collapse in security arrangements during the high-profile event.
According to Dutta, the chaos and overcrowding forced Messi to leave the venue earlier than scheduled and head directly to the airport, leaving thousands of fans disappointed.
The organiser further claimed that Arup Biswas had pressured him to provide 22,000 tickets and access cards for entry into the stadium premises.
Dutta also alleged serious lapses on the part of the police despite the event being under Z-plus category security cover. He claimed that nearly 200 to 300 unauthorised individuals managed to enter the field area during the programme.
He said that after Messi left the venue amid the commotion, several spectators who had purchased tickets but failed to catch a glimpse of the football icon vandalised parts of the stadium in anger.
Dutta further alleged that after Messi reached the airport, then DGP Rajeev Kumar arrived there and attempted to persuade the footballer to return to the stadium. However, Messi reportedly refused to go back.
The organiser claimed that he was subsequently removed from a flight and arrested. He said he spent 38 days in jail and is currently out on bail.
Dutta also stated that Messi-related events organised by his team later in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi were conducted successfully without any disorder.
Meanwhile, following the change of government in West Bengal, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Nishith Pramanik has reportedly ordered a fresh inquiry into the matter.
The minister said strict action would be taken if evidence of corruption or financial irregularities emerges during the investigation. He also indicated that the role of the ticketing agency involved in the event would be examined.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
