'We Feel Ashamed': Calcutta High Court On Messi Event Fiasco, Grants Interim Relief To TMC's Aroop Biswas In Extortion Case By Organiser

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection from coercive action to former West Bengal Sports Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA Aroop Biswas in connection with a criminal case filed by event organiser Satadru Datta over the controversial Lionel Messi event in Kolkata.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed that no coercive steps be taken against Biswas without leave of the Court until August 17 or until further orders. The Court, however, permitted the State to continue its investigation and directed the petitioner to fully cooperate with the probe.

The Court ordered that Biswas shall comply with notices issued by the investigating agency and appear before it on the date and time fixed. It further directed that at least 48 hours' notice be given before requiring his appearance. Biswas was also restrained from leaving the city without prior permission of the Court and was directed not to intimidate witnesses.

The court also directed him to deposit his passport before the trial court within 7 days.

While granting interim protection, the Court made strong observations regarding the organisation of the Messi event, describing it as a "complete fiasco" that adversely affected Kolkata's reputation.

Referring to a newspaper clipping placed before the Court, Justice Bhattacharya asked counsel appearing for the complainant: "Kindly see this newspaper clipping. Is he your client? Standing beside Messi?"

When counsel answered in the affirmative, the Court remarked: "Does it not breach the security of this soccer player?" The Court further questioned how Biswas had managed to gain such close access to the football legend.

"How can he do this? Is he Messi's childhood friend?" Justice Bhattacharya observed. When counsel responded that a proximity card had been issued, the Court continued: "Spreading his hand around the waist of Messi?"

Counsel submitted that others had also been granted similar access cards. Expressing displeasure over the controversy surrounding the event, Justice Bhattacharya observed: "How he did this? On all media, we are residents of Kolkata, we feel ashamed because of this Messi event fiasco."

Counsel for the complainant responded that the situation should not have occurred.

During the hearing, Justice Bhattacharya remarked: "It was an overall mess, and the petitioner was none other than the sports minister at that time."

The complaint was lodged by organiser Satadru Datta, who has alleged extortion, cheating and misuse of political influence in connection with the event. Datta claimed that Biswas had used his political position to obtain complimentary passes and exert influence over the event's management, allegedly contributing to the chaos that followed.

Seeking protection from arrest, Biswas contended that he faced a threat to his liberty. His plea came shortly after the arrest of his brother, Swarup Biswas, in connection with allegations of molestation and extortion arising out of the same controversy.

While dictating the order, Justice Bhattacharya observed that football icon Lionel Messi had been scheduled to appear before a large gathering of spectators but left the venue much earlier than expected.

"Lionel Messi is a soccer legend, who was scheduled to appear in front of a large number of spectators. However, on that day, he left the field much before the scheduled time," the Court observed.

The Court further noted that news reports showed a large number of unauthorised persons entering the field during the event.

"It was seen on news media that a large number of intruders were present on the field at that time. Thousands of Messi fans purchased tickets to witness the presence of their hero on the field, but the early exit of Messi shattered their dreams," Justice Bhattacharya remarked.

Expressing concern over the manner in which the programme was conducted, the Court observed: "It was a complete fiasco in organisation. However, in three other metro cities, similar programmes were organised seamlessly. Failure to organise the programme left a blot on the image of this city, Kolkata."

The Court held that even while considering a plea for interim protection, it could not ignore the larger circumstances surrounding the event.

"While granting interim protection, the Court cannot shut its eyes to the fiasco. The conscience of this Court leads it to direct the Police Commissioner of Bidhannagar to conduct an independent inquiry as to why the event could not be organised appropriately."

Accordingly, Justice Bhattacharya directed the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner to conduct an independent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the failure of the event and the alleged security lapses that occurred during the programme.