Arup Biswas is fearing arrest! Skips' appearance in Messi case citing illness

Former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas has sought additional time from the police and did not appear before investigators on Thursday in connection with the alleged Messi event ticketing controversy. Biswas had been summoned by Bidhannagar South Police Station to appear at 10:30 a.m., but informed investigators that he was unwell and requested an extension before appearing for questioning.

The investigation is based on an FIR registered on May 17 following a complaint filed by event organiser Shatadru Dutta. The complaint alleges that approximately 22,000 tickets linked to a Lionel Messi-related event were illegally sold on the black market. Police subsequently initiated an investigation into the allegations and issued a notice summoning Biswas for questioning.

According to the complaint, multiple allegations have been made against the former minister, including ticket black-marketing, unlawful financial gain, criminal intimidation, cheating, extortion and security-related irregularities associated with the event. The complaint also alleges that Biswas used his influence to gain unauthorised access near Lionel Messi during the programme and made physical contact with the footballer without permission.

Police sources indicated that Biswas contacted investigators and stated that he was medically unfit to appear. He reportedly requested nearly two weeks before attending questioning and informed the police that he would communicate a future date for appearance. Authorities have not yet announced whether the requested extension will be granted or whether a fresh notice will be issued.

Shatadru Dutta has alleged that the actions attributed to Biswas caused damage to his business interests, personal life and professional reputation. In addition to the criminal complaint, Dutta has filed a defamation suit seeking compensation for alleged financial and reputational losses. The matter has drawn further attention after reports indicated that Biswas’s anticipatory bail plea in the case was rejected, while the investigation remains ongoing.