Messi Tour Controversy Sees Ex Bengal Sports Minister Summoned Over Salt Lake Chaos
Police have summoned former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas for questioning on June 5 over the 2025 Messi fiasco at Salt Lake Stadium. The move follows organiser Satadru Dutta’s complaint alleging ticket malpractice, security breaches and vandalism disrupted Lionel Messi December 13 event.
In the aftermath of the much talked about “Messi fiasco” at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, police have summoned former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas for questioning over alleged irregularities linked to the event. The summons was issued by Bidhannagar Dakshin Police Station, directing Biswas, a senior TMC leader, to appear before investigators on June 5, 2026. The move comes after Satadru Dutta, organiser of Lionel Messi’s India tour, lodged a complaint accusing Biswas of malpractice in ticket distribution and intimidation.
Dutta, who was earlier arrested in relation to the controversy during the previous TMC government, filed an FIR on May 30 alleging extortion, criminal intimidation, and the diversion and sale of complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, and close-proximity passes connected to Messi’s visit. The football icon had visited Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, as part of his India tour.
The event reportedly spiralled into chaos when large crowds entered the venue without proper access, resulting in overcrowding, security lapses, and disorder. Several ticket holders complained of poor visibility and mismanagement despite paying high prices. Messi exited the stadium quickly amid the confusion, after which angry spectators vandalised sections of the venue, triggering political controversy and scrutiny over crowd management failures.