Lionel Messi's Team Writes to Police Over Kolkata Event Disruption

Kolkata: The team of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has communicated with the Bidhannagar Police regarding a chaotic incident at an event in Kolkata in December 2025. In an email, the team alleged that former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas entered the venue with unauthorised personnel and unaccredited cameras, leading to security concerns and disruption.

The email was sent by a member of Messi's travelling team to the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner. It stated that Mr. Biswas engaged in unscheduled interactions and physical contact with Mr. Messi, including placing hands on his shoulder and waist for photographs. The presence of approximately 40 unaccredited photographers and unauthorised individuals further raised security issues, according to the email.

Satadru Dutta, the chief organiser of the G.O.A.T. India Tour, filed the complaint against Mr. Biswas. Mr. Dutta, who was initially arrested after the event and later released on bail, has maintained that he was made a scapegoat. He stated that the three other events organised by him across India proceeded without any security issues.

The Hindu has not independently verified the contents of the email. Police had issued at least three summons to Mr. Biswas, who did not appear. He subsequently moved the Calcutta High Court, which directed police not to take coercive action against him.

The case against Mr. Biswas involves allegations of extortion, cheating, and misuse of political influence. The December 2025 event at Salt Lake Stadium ended in vandalism and chaos, drawing international attention and embarrassment for the state government.