The Bidhannagar Police on Sunday intensified its investigation into the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour held at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 last year, escalating pressure on senior Trinamool Congress leader and former Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas. Officers visited his New Alipore residence on Sunday, accompanied by local Kolkata Police personnel, to serve two notices directing him to appear for questioning on Monday.
Police Action at Biswas's Residence
After repeated attempts to gain entry by ringing the doorbell went unanswered, the police pasted the notices on the entrance of the former minister's house. The notices require him to appear at the Bidhannagar South Police Station by 11 am on Monday for interrogation. A Bidhannagar Police official confirmed, "We took help of Kolkata Police to ensure that Biswas received the notice physically."
This is the second summons issued to Biswas, who failed to appear on the earlier date of June 4. He had requested a 14-day extension through his legal counsel, citing physical illness, but the Bidhannagar Police rejected the plea. Sources revealed that the notices highlight Biswas's failure to provide any medical reports or documentary evidence to substantiate his health claims. Officers have warned that non-compliance with Monday's deadline will invite stringent legal consequences, hinting even at a potential arrest.
Background of the Case
The controversy dates back to May 17, when Shatadru Dutta, the primary organizer of the Argentine football superstar's tour, filed an FIR against Biswas at the Bidhannagar South police station. Biswas has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 308(2) (extortion), 318(4) (cheating), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (joint liability).
The complaint accuses the former sports minister of orchestrating a mass ticket black-marketing ring, extortion, fraud, and severe negligence in the event's security management at the Salt Lake Stadium. The event reportedly descended into chaos, with unauthorized crowds swarming near Lionel Messi, leading to administrative breakdown. Hundreds of genuine ticket holders were blocked from seeing the football star despite possessing valid high-priced tickets. The massive public backlash forced Biswas to resign from his position as state sports minister.
Legal Maneuvers
Biswas had previously moved the Barasat Court seeking anticipatory bail and later approached the Calcutta High Court, where his plea is listed for hearing on Tuesday, June 9. Sources indicated that the former minister is awaiting the court's decision before deciding on his next course of action. Legal experts note that by forcing an appearance on Monday morning, the police are moving proactively before the High Court can grant any interim protection to Biswas.
The complainant, Shatadru Dutta, was arrested earlier on allegations of mismanagement and disorder at the event but was released on bail after 38 days. After securing bail, he filed the complaint against Biswas and others, leading to the registration of the FIR.
