An FIR was lodged on Monday against former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and three others based on a complaint by the organiser of Lionel Messi's India tour, Satadru Dutta. The complaint accuses them of sabotaging the event held at Salt Lake Stadium in December 2025, which led to Messi leaving the venue prematurely and disappointing thousands of fans.
Details of the Allegations
According to Dutta, Biswas misused his ministerial powers to allow unauthorised individuals onto the pitch. These individuals allegedly harassed Messi, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for the football legend. The incident forced Messi to exit the stadium earlier than scheduled, cutting short the event and leaving fans in dismay.
Accused Individuals
Besides Aroop Biswas, the FIR names former Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, New Alipore councillor Juin Biswas, and IAS officer Santanu Basu. The complaint alleges that these individuals conspired to disrupt the event, which was a major attraction for football enthusiasts across the country.
Impact on the Event
The sabotage not only caused embarrassment to the organisers but also resulted in financial losses and a tarnished reputation for the state's ability to host high-profile international events. Thousands of fans who had gathered to see Messi were left disappointed, and the incident sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Legal Proceedings
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter. The accused are expected to be summoned for questioning as the police gather evidence to ascertain the veracity of the claims. The case highlights the challenges of organising large-scale events and the need for stringent security protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
