Aroop Biswas Seeks More Time For Police Questioning In Messi Event Probe

Former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has sought 14 days’ time to appear for police questioning in connection with an FIR registered over alleged vandalism during Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour event held at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake on December 13 last year. The development comes after the Bidhannagar (South) Police Station issued a summons asking him to appear on June 5 for questioning.

According to police sources, Biswas sent a letter on Thursday requesting an extension of 14 days on medical grounds. The letter was delivered through a messenger and was accompanied by a medical certificate cited as supporting documentation. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the police will accept the request or reschedule his appearance for questioning in the case.

The FIR was registered on May 30 following a complaint filed by event organiser Satadru Dutta on May 17. The complaint alleged vandalism and irregularities during the high-profile football event, which drew significant public attention due to Messi’s participation. Dutta has maintained that the investigation is necessary to identify those responsible for disruptions at the venue during the event.

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Biswas, a four-time Trinamool Congress legislator from the Tollygunge Assembly constituency, lost his seat in the recent election to Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Papiya Adhikari by a margin of over 6,000 votes. The current investigation adds to the political attention surrounding the former minister, who previously held the sports portfolio in the West Bengal government.

The complainant has also alleged that around 22,000 tickets for the event were black-marketed, prompting further scrutiny by Bidhannagar police. Following the FIR, investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the organisation and management of the event, including allegations of irregularities and crowd control issues at the stadium.

The Messi event itself had earlier triggered controversy and administrative action, with multiple stakeholders accusing each other of mismanagement. Police officials are continuing their probe, and further developments are expected once Biswas either appears for questioning or the request for extension is formally reviewed.

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