Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Protection to Aroop Biswas, Orders Probe into Messi Event

MP, June 11, 2026, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection from coercive action to former Trinamool Congress MLA and ex-state sports minister Aroop Biswas in a criminal case linked to the controversial Lionel Messi event held in Kolkata earlier this year.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed that no coercive measures be taken against Biswas without the court’s permission until August 17 or until further orders.

At the same time, the court allowed the investigation to continue and instructed the legislator to cooperate fully with the probe.

The court directed Biswas to respond to notices issued by the investigating agency and appear whenever required, provided at least 48 hours’ prior notice is given.

He was also restrained from leaving Kolkata without the court’s approval, barred from influencing witnesses, and ordered to deposit his passport before the trial court within seven days.

The case stems from a complaint filed by event organiser Satadru Datta, who has accused Biswas of cheating, extortion and exerting political influence in connection with the high-profile football programme featuring Argentine legend Lionel Messi.

Biswas approached the court seeking protection from arrest, citing apprehension over his liberty.

During the hearing, Justice Bhattacharya expressed strong disapproval of the manner in which the event was conducted, describing it as a “complete fiasco”.

Referring to media reports and photographs placed before the court, the judge questioned aspects of the event’s management and remarked that the controversy had embarrassed residents of Kolkata.

The court noted that Messi, expected to appear before thousands of fans, left the venue earlier than scheduled while unauthorised persons allegedly gained access to the field.

According to the court, many spectators who purchased tickets were left disappointed.

Observing that similar programmes in other metropolitan cities had been conducted smoothly, Justice Bhattacharya said the Kolkata event had tarnished the city’s image.

He consequently directed the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner to undertake an independent inquiry into the organisational failures and alleged security lapses surrounding the programme.