The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday strongly criticised former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas for his alleged involvement in the security breach during football legend Lionel Messi's appearance at the Salt Lake stadium, terming the incident a 'blot' on the city's image.
Court's Observations
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, presiding over the case, expressed dismay over photographs showing Biswas with his arms around Messi's waist. 'Look at the photograph, is this person not your client? Does it not breach the security of the soccer legend? How can he do this? Is he Messi's childhood friend? Spreading his hands around Messi's waist. How did he do this? We, the residents of Kolkata, felt ashamed because of this Messi incident fiasco,' the judge remarked.
The court noted that Messi, a global soccer icon, was scheduled to appear at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025, but had to leave early due to a security breach, disappointing thousands of fans who had bought tickets. The judge contrasted this with similar events in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, which were conducted seamlessly.
Interim Protection for Biswas
While granting interim protection to Biswas from arrest until August 17, the court imposed several conditions. Biswas must surrender his passport to the jurisdictional court within seven days, cannot leave Kolkata without court permission, must appear for summons with 48 hours' notice, and cooperate with the investigating agency for a 'meaningful' probe.
The court also directed the Bidhannagar Commissioner of Police to conduct an independent investigation into the security breach and submit a report within four weeks. The case is next scheduled for hearing on August 4.
Background of the Case
The case was filed by event organiser Satadru Dutta, who alleged that Biswas misused his position to obtain complimentary passes, close proximity tickets, and accreditation cards, and made wrongful monetary gains. The FIR was registered on May 30, 2026, six months after the event, which raised concerns about the delay.
Justice Bhattacharyya noted that the allegations against Biswas involve cognisable and non-bailable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, but all carry punishments of less than seven years. The judge observed that custodial interrogation was not necessary given the nature of the allegations.
Biswas's Response to Summons
Biswas had failed to appear in response to two summons, citing health issues such as severe stomach ailment, dehydration, and high blood sugar due to excessive heat. However, he did not provide supporting medical documents.
The state government, represented by Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra, opposed Biswas's petition for quashing the FIR, arguing that he should not be granted protection under Section 35(3) of the BNSS as he had missed summons and his home was found locked.
Next Steps
Satadru Dutta expressed his intention to challenge the High Court's order in the Supreme Court, stating, 'Going to the Supreme Court. I have faith in judiciary.'
The Director General and Inspector General of Police, West Bengal, have been directed to submit details of any other criminal proceedings pending against Biswas.
