Messi Kolkata chaos back in spotlight: Organiser Satadru Dutta accuses TMC’s Arup Biswas of threats, ticket scandal
The Statesman | 19 May 2026
The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour event in Kolkata has flared up once again after a fresh complaint by organiser Satadru Dutta against former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas revived allegations of ticket misuse, intimidation and serious lapses in crowd management during the high-profile football spectacle at Salt Lake Stadium.
The renewed probe comes weeks after scenes of chaos and vandalism overshadowed Messi’s appearance in the city, where thousands of disappointed fans erupted in anger over alleged mismanagement, restricted access and the overwhelming presence of VIP guests around the Argentine football icon.
In his complaint, Satadru Dutta accused Arup Biswas, his relatives and several officials of misconduct linked to the event, claiming he faced threats over the issuance of access cards and raising questions over how unauthorised individuals entered the venue.
Dutta also alleged that tickets handed over to Arup Biswas may have been misused or sold illegally, further intensifying the controversy around the event’s management.
He additionally criticised the role of the police and security agencies, claiming there were major failures in controlling access and handling the situation once unrest broke out inside the stadium premises.
“I have come here to file the complaint against the Sports Minister and against his relatives. Furthermore, regarding certain high-ranking government officials and former government officials who entered the venue and specifically regarding the police’s failure on that day. The Sports Minister Arup Biswas, who took ticket from me, I suspect he sold them in the black. He subjected me to severe threats regarding the issuance of access cards,” Dutta said.
Satadru Dutta said he plans to file a Rs 50 crore damages suit along with a separate defamation case, alleging that he was unfairly blamed for the chaos that unfolded during the event.
“Even after I refused to provide the access cards, people still managed to enter the venue. How did they get in? I have filed a complaint covering all these specific grievances. I will file a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to Rs 50 crore and I will file a separate defamation suit. They made a scapegoat out of me. The investigation must be unbiased,” he added.
The Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour had descended into disorder after Lionel Messi reportedly exited the venue early, triggering frustration among spectators who had paid steep ticket prices to attend the much-hyped event.
Several fans alleged they were unable to properly witness Messi due to overcrowding and the heavy movement of VIPs and political figures inside restricted zones. As tempers flared, sections of the crowd allegedly hurled bottles, attempted to break barricades and tried to force their way onto the ground.
The situation escalated further when angry spectators allegedly targeted temporary structures near the field and damaged parts of the stadium area before police personnel intervened to disperse the crowd.
The incident sparked criticism over event planning, security arrangements and the management of VIP access during one of Kolkata’s biggest sporting events in recent years.
The fresh allegations have added a political dimension to the fallout from Messi’s Kolkata visit, especially after the newly elected BJP government in West Bengal launched a wider crackdown on misuse of influence during major public events under the previous Trinamool Congress regime.
The allegations against former Sports Minister Arup Biswas are likely to further sharpen the confrontation between the BJP government and senior TMC leaders, as the new administration seeks to review several decisions and privileges linked to the previous government.