West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas Resigns From Post Days After Chaos At Lionel Messi's Kolkata Event: Reports

Kolkata: West Bengal Sports Minister and senior TMC leader Aroop Biswas on Tuesday (December 16) reportedly resigned from his post days after the alleged mismanagement at football icon Lionel Messi's event at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, reported IANS. Biswas wrote a letter to state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in this regard.

The main organiser of the Messi India GOAT Tour, Satadru Dutta, was arrested hours after the chaos erupted at the event. Meanwhile, two other people were also taken into custody on Monday in connection with the matter.

Visuals Of Vandalism At Salt Lake Stadium:

According to the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, based on CCTV footage from Yuva Bharati Krirangan, or Salt Lake Stadium, South Bidhannagar police arrested Gaurav Basu and Shubhrapratim Dey from the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata for the vandalism inside the stadium on December 13.

So far, five people have been arrested in connection with vandalism inside the stadium.

On Saturday, fans had resorted to vandalism inside the stadium, alleging gross mismanagement of the event. Visuals circulating online showed vandalised barricades and tense moments inside the venue as frustrated supporters vented their anger over what they claimed were poor on-ground arrangements. They had also complained about long waiting hours, lack of proper entry management, and confusion over ticket verification, with many saying the situation spiralled out of control due to inadequate planning.

Soon, the chaos at the event snowballed into a political controversy. Banerjee apologised to the football icon and fans. Meanwhile, the Opposition slammed the West Bengal government over the alleged mismanagement.

After Kolkata, Messi visited Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. On Tuesday, Messi visited Gujarat's Jamnagar, where he will be hosted by Anant Ambani. Messi will stay for a night at Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation centre.