Police reject Aroop Biswas’ request for more time, summon him again in Messi event case

Former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has been directed to appear before Bidhannagar South Police Station on June 8 after police rejected his request for additional time in connection with an investigation related to the Lionel Messi event. A fresh notice was issued after he sought an extension before an earlier scheduled appearance.

The case stems from a complaint reportedly filed on May 17 by event organiser Shatadru Dutta at Bidhannagar South Police Station. The complaint includes allegations of ticket black-marketing, extortion, criminal intimidation, security lapses during the event, fraud and misuse of influence. According to the complaint, approximately 22,000 tickets were allegedly sold through illegal channels.

The complaint further alleges that Aroop Biswas used his influence to gain unauthorised access to Lionel Messi and interacted with the footballer without permission. Police have not publicly disclosed details of their findings, and the allegations remain under investigation.

Investigators had originally instructed Biswas to appear on June 4. Prior to that date, he informed police that he was unwell and requested approximately two weeks to respond to the allegations. Police declined the request and issued a fresh summons directing him to appear at 11 a.m. on June 8.

Biswas subsequently sought anticipatory bail before a court in Barasat, but the application was rejected. He later approached the Calcutta High Court, where the matter is scheduled to be heard on June 9. The police appearance is scheduled a day before the High Court hearing. No arrest has been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.