A fresh development has emerged in the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last December, with a member of the Argentine star's team reportedly sending an e-mail to the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner directly blaming former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas for the disruption at Yuva Bharati Krirangan.
According to the communication, sent by an individual associated with Messi's entourage who had accompanied the football icon during the "GOAT Tour," the situation at the stadium deteriorated after Arup Biswas entered the field. The e-mail alleges that several activities initiated by the former minister were not part of the approved event schedule and contributed to the disorder that followed, Anandabazar Patrika reported.
The complaint reportedly details specific instances of alleged protocol violations. It claims that Biswas repeatedly approached and touched Messi while posing for photographs, placing his hands on the footballer's shoulder and waist. The communication further alleges that a large number of individuals entered the playing area alongside the former minister despite not having authorisation to do so.
According to the e-mail, as reported by Anandabazar, the number of photographers present on the field far exceeded the permitted limit. While only three photographers were reportedly authorised to remain on the ground, nearly 40 individuals were present. Messi's team claimed that the situation caused discomfort to the World Cup-winning captain and raised concerns regarding his security.
The communication further states that the circumstances eventually made it impossible for Messi to continue participating in the event as originally planned. At the same time, the e-mail reportedly absolves event organiser Shatadru Dutta of responsibility, stating that the developments leading to Messi's early departure were beyond his control.
Reacting to the development, Dutta said, "This will certainly help the investigation." He has consistently alleged that Arup Biswas was responsible for the chaos witnessed during Messi's Kolkata visit and has pursued legal action in connection with the matter.
The controversy has also reached the Calcutta High Court. Dutta's counsel, Arindam Jana, recently mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice's Division Bench, challenging the legal protection granted to the former minister in the case. Court sources indicated that permission to file the petition has been granted, and the matter could come up for hearing later this week.
Earlier, after an FIR was lodged against him, Arup Biswas approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya granted interim protection while directing him to cooperate with the investigation. The court also instructed the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner to ensure an independent and impartial probe into the allegations.
Dutta has challenged that order before the Division Bench. In his complaint, he alleged that around 70,000 tickets were printed for the event and claimed that approximately 22,000 of them were taken by the then Sports Minister by virtue of his position and influence. He further alleged that a portion of those tickets was distributed among associates and sold.
The organiser has maintained that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine responsibility for the alleged irregularities and disruptions during the event. Police had issued notices to Arup Biswas for questioning in connection with the case. He initially cited health-related reasons for not appearing before investigators and subsequently secured legal protection from the High Court.
