Kolkata: Former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas has requested 14 days to appear before the police in connection with the investigation into the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's event at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan. This comes after he failed to respond to a summons issued by the Bidhannagar South Police on Thursday.
Background of the Case
Biswas, a former Trinamool Congress MLA from Tollygunge, was directed to appear before investigators on Thursday following a complaint lodged by Satadru Dutta, the primary organiser of the Lionel Messi-GOAT India Tour at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 last year. On Wednesday night, Biswas's lawyer submitted a letter to Bidhannagar South Police Station seeking additional time for his client to appear for questioning.
Legal Provisions Invoked
Police sources said the summons was issued after an FIR was registered based on Dutta's complaint against Biswas and several others. The case pertains to alleged irregularities linked to the event. The FIR, registered on Saturday, invokes five provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including common intention (section 3(5)), extortion (section 308(2)), cheating (section 318(4)), criminal intimidation (section 351(2)), and criminal conspiracy (section 61(2)).
Anticipatory Bail Plea
Anticipating possible arrest, Biswas has already moved the Barasat court seeking anticipatory bail. The hearing on his bail plea is scheduled for July 22. Sources indicated that the former minister is awaiting the court's decision before deciding on his next course of action.
Complainant's Background
The complainant, Satadru Dutta, was arrested earlier following allegations of mismanagement and disorder at the event. He was subsequently released on bail after 38 days. After securing bail, Dutta filed a complaint against Biswas and others, leading to the registration of the FIR.
Reaction from Complainant
Reacting to Biswas's request for more time, Dutta took to X (formerly Twitter) and questioned the timing of the former minister's reported illness. The controversy continues to unfold as both sides prepare for legal proceedings.
