Ex-Sports Minister Arup Biswas summoned in Messi event case, asked to appear on June 5

Former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas has been summoned by police in connection with the controversy surrounding football star Lionel Messi’s event at Salt Lake Stadium. Bidhannagar South Police Station has directed Biswas to appear before investigating officers on June 5 for questioning in a case linked to alleged irregularities and disorder during the event held on December 13 last year.

According to police officials, the summons was issued following the registration of an FIR related to complaints arising from the event. Investigators stated that questioning Biswas is necessary in connection with allegations mentioned in the complaint. Police have registered the case under multiple sections, including extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy and acts committed with a common intention.

The case stems from a written complaint filed by event organiser Shatadru Dutta after his release on bail. Dutta was previously arrested in connection with allegations of mismanagement and crowd disorder during the event but was later granted bail. Following his release, he accused Biswas of extortion, criminal intimidation and misuse of complimentary tickets, accreditation cards and VIP passes, leading to the registration of an FIR last Saturday.

Dutta has also filed a ₹100-crore defamation and compensation suit against Biswas. In his complaint, he alleged that organisers were pressured to provide nearly 22,000 complimentary tickets without charge. He further claimed that warnings were issued suggesting the event could face cancellation if the demands were not fulfilled. The complaint also alleged that many complimentary tickets were subsequently sold, while paying spectators faced overcrowding and difficulties viewing the event.

Police sources stated that approximately 35,000 football fans purchased tickets worth around ₹19 crore to attend the programme. The controversy generated criticism and became the subject of multiple investigations. Meanwhile, Biswas has approached the court seeking anticipatory bail amid the ongoing probe.