Kolkata, 01 June (H.S.): Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas on Monday approached the Barasat court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a case related to the alleged mismanagement and irregularities during the Lionel Messi event held at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

The development comes after Bidhannagar South Police Station registered an FIR against Biswas and several others based on a complaint lodged by event organiser Shatadru Dutta. Dutta had earlier been arrested in connection with the controversy surrounding the high-profile event but was subsequently granted bail.

According to police sources, Biswas has been booked under five sections, including charges related to common intention, extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy. Information regarding the registration of the FIR was made public by Dutta through social media. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Sports Minister Nishith Pramanik and Director General of Police Siddhanath Gupta for the action taken in the matter.

Dutta has alleged that the event descended into chaos due to the actions of Biswas and certain administrative officials. He claimed that a large number of people were allowed to enter the stadium without proper authorisation, resulting in severe overcrowding. As a consequence, many spectators who had purchased tickets were unable to catch even a glimpse of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.

According to the complaint, the situation became so unmanageable that Messi and members of his entourage were forced to leave the venue amid the disorder. The controversy surrounding the event has remained a subject of public and political debate since it took place.

Biswas's role in the organisation of the event has been under scrutiny from the outset. Following the initiation of the investigation, he stepped down from the post of Sports Minister. During earlier court proceedings, police had informed the court that nearly 35,000 spectators had purchased tickets for the event, generating an estimated revenue of around ₹19 crore.

The case has once again gained prominence following the change in government in West Bengal and the formation of the BJP-led administration in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh