Former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas appeared before the police on Tuesday for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities surrounding the Lionel Messi event held at Salt Lake Stadium in December. Officials said Biswas, a leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) who has since joined the party's rebel camp, recorded his statement before investigators as part of the ongoing probe. Biswas appeared at the Bidhannagar South Police Station in compliance with the investigation.

According to police officials, his statement has been recorded and is being examined alongside other evidence gathered during the course of the inquiry. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and further action will depend on the evidence collected. The case stems from allegations relating to the organisation of the football event featuring Lionel Messi. The Calcutta High Court has granted Biswas interim protection from arrest until August 17.

The court has also directed the police to submit a status report on the investigation on July 10, allowing it to monitor the progress of the case. The complaint was filed on May 17 by Shatadru Dutta, identified as the principal organiser of Messi's India tour. In his complaint, Dutta accused Biswas of cheating, criminal intimidation and extortion, following which police registered a case and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

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Dutta further alleged that nearly 22,000 tickets for the event were sold on the black market. He claimed that Biswas, while serving as the state's sports minister, used his official position to exert undue influence over the conduct and management of the programme. The allegations have become a key focus of the police investigation. Police have not disclosed further details regarding the evidence collected or whether additional individuals will be questioned.

Officials said investigators are examining documentary records, witness statements and other material related to the organisation of the event before drawing any conclusions. The questioning of Biswas marks the latest development in the high-profile case, which has attracted attention due to the allegations of ticketing irregularities and misuse of official influence during a major international sporting event. Authorities have maintained that the investigation will proceed in accordance with the law, while the allegations remain subject to judicial and investigative scrutiny.

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