Kolkata Messi Event Chaos Forces Aroop Biswas's Resignation
Share Post
West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has resigned from his post following the chaotic scenes at Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated event at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on December 13, 2025. The resignation comes as the state government launches a major administrative probe into the mishandling of the football legend’s visit and its fallout.
Resignation Amid Fiasco
Biswas, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), submitted a resignation letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking relief from his responsibilities as sports minister to facilitate an “unbiased investigation” into the disorder at the stadium. His departure was accepted by the Chief Minister, and she will temporarily assume charge of the sports and youth affairs portfolio until the probe concludes.
In his letter, Biswas acknowledged the “mess created during Messi’s Kolkata trip” and urged the Chief Minister to accept his resignation to ensure transparency in the ongoing inquiry.
What Went Wrong at the Messi Event
Messi’s visit, part of the GOAT India Tour 2025, was intended to be a celebration of football in one of India’s most passionate footballing states. However, thousands of ticket-holding fans who arrived before dawn were left disappointed as the event descended into chaos.
Videos and eyewitness reports show that:
-
Spectators struggled to see Messi due to poor crowd control and VIP congestion on the pitch.
-
Fans grew increasingly frustrated and began vandalising stadium property, throwing bottles and ripping seats.
-
Some fans alleged that the event organiser failed to manage expectations, with many claiming they paid high ticket prices yet hardly saw the football icon.
The football star’s appearance at Salt Lake lasted only about 22 minutes, far shorter than many attendees had anticipated.
Administrative Action and Show-Cause Notices
In response to the fiasco, the West Bengal government has taken several significant administrative steps:
-
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar have been served show-cause notices, directed to explain the mismanagement within 24 hours.
-
Bidhannagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Aneesh Sarkar has been suspended and is facing departmental action.
-
Principal Secretary of the Sports Department Rajesh Kumar Sinha has also received a notice.
-
The CEO of Salt Lake Stadium has been removed from his position.
In addition, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior Indian Police Service officers has been formed to conduct a thorough probe into the lapses that allowed the event to spiral out of control.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised publicly to Lionel Messi and fans over the mismanagement, expressing her shock at how the event unfolded. She ordered a high-level inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to determine accountability and recommend corrective measures.
Opposition leaders have seized on the incident, criticising the state government for its handling of the event and questioning whether administrative lapses were avoidable.
Looking Ahead
The Messi event controversy has sparked debates on large-scale event management in India and the responsibilities of political and administrative leadership in ensuring both security and fan expectations are met. The outcome of the investigation, and its impact on the careers of other officials, will be closely watched in the coming days.
10:53 AM, Dec 17
Source : Kolkata Messi Event Chaos Forces Aroop Biswas's Resignation
Other Related Topics
Industry Update
Ludhiana MP Rajinder Gupta Presses Textile Sector Concerns in Meeting with FM Sitharaman...view more
1.webp)
India's Mandatory Garment Labelling Rule: Care, Origin, and Fabric Details Now Essential...view more
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
Europe’s Textile Sector Alarms as Ultra-Fast Fashion Firms Partner With Postal Operators...view more
1.webp)
1.webp)
.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
Carrington Textiles Introduces Defence Stock Range for Faster Access to Military Fabrics...view more
1.webp)
.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.webp)
1.jpg)
_large1.jpeg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
1.jpeg)
