Kolkata
Third Notice Issued to Former Sports Minister Over Messi Event Chaos
Bidhannagar Police have served a fresh notice to former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, directing him to appear before investigators within 48 hours in connection with the probe into the chaos that erupted during a Lionel Messi-related event at Salt Lake Stadium last December.
Police on Saturday issued a third notice to former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, asking him to appear before investigators within 48 hours for questioning in connection with the case relating to the disorder that allegedly took place during a Lionel Messi-themed event at Salt Lake Stadium in December.
According to sources, Bidhannagar Police had earlier served two notices to Biswas, directing him to cooperate with the investigation and present himself for questioning. However, the former minister did not appear before investigators on either occasion.
Sources said Biswas had sought additional time, citing personal reasons for his inability to comply with the earlier summons.
With no appearance made despite the previous notices, police officers on Saturday delivered the fresh notice to Biswas’ registered address, reiterating the requirement that he join the investigation within the stipulated period.
The case pertains to the alleged chaos and mismanagement during an event associated with football icon Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, which reportedly led to complaints and the initiation of an investigation by the authorities.
Investigators are believed to be examining various aspects of the event’s organisation, including administrative approvals, crowd management arrangements, and the roles of individuals associated with its planning and execution.
Police have not disclosed the specific questions they intend to put before Biswas or whether any further legal action may follow if he fails to respond to the latest notice.
The former minister, who previously handled the Sports portfolio in the West Bengal government, has not publicly commented on the issuance of the third notice at the time of reporting.
The development has attracted considerable attention given Biswas’ political profile and the public interest surrounding the event, which had generated widespread enthusiasm among football fans but later became the subject of controversy.
The investigation is expected to continue as authorities gather statements and documentary evidence to establish accountability and determine whether any lapses contributed to the reported disorder.
