West Bengal Sports Minister Resigns Amid Messi Event Chaos

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accepted the resignation of Sports Minister Aroop Biswas after chaos erupted during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata. The incident, which involved significant mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium, has led to calls for an unbiased investigation. Biswas requested to step down to facilitate this inquiry, while Banerjee will temporarily oversee the sports department. The event, part of Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025, saw angry fans causing disturbances after being unable to see the footballers. Arrests have been made, and a committee has been formed to investigate the situation further.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 10:09 IST

Resignation Following Mismanagement

On Tuesday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted the resignation of Aroop Biswas, the state's Sports Minister, after significant disorder occurred during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on December 13, as reported by a news outlet.

Biswas had expressed his desire to resign, emphasizing the need for an “unbiased investigation” into the chaotic events at Salt Lake Stadium. Banerjee acknowledged his intentions, stating that she valued his sentiment regarding the need for a fair inquiry.

“He is absolutely right, and until the inquiry concludes, I will oversee the sports department myself,” the Trinamool Congress leader was quoted as saying.

Direct Oversight by Chief Minister

According to a spokesperson for the Trinamool Congress, the Chief Minister will temporarily manage the sports department. Despite resigning from his ministerial role, Biswas will continue to serve as the state's power minister.

Messi was in India for a three-day tour, dubbed the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) India Tour 2025, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi for various events and interactions with local athletes.

He was joined by his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez and Argentine footballer Rodrigo De Paul during this tour.

Incident Details at Salt Lake Stadium

On the day of the event, Messi and his fellow players arrived at Salt Lake Stadium around 11:30 am. However, as they entered, a crowd of 70 to 80 individuals, including event organizers and Biswas, surrounded them, obstructing the view for fans.

Due to the overwhelming crowd, many spectators were unable to see the footballers, leading to frustration. Messi was escorted out of the venue shortly after, just before the Chief Minister and actor Shahrukh Khan arrived to meet him.

This situation escalated into chaos, with angry fans breaking chairs and throwing them onto the field, as well as bottles. The crowd surged onto the field, overturning temporary structures and even setting some on fire, prompting police intervention.

Arrests and Investigations

In the aftermath, Satadru Dutta, the event organizer in West Bengal, was arrested for alleged mismanagement and denied bail, resulting in a 14-day police custody sentence.

Banerjee announced the formation of a committee to investigate the incident further. Following Biswas's resignation request, the Chief Secretary's office issued show cause notices to several police officials, including the Director General of Police and the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, for their roles during the event.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner of Police Aneesh Sarkar was suspended pending the inquiry, and Dev Kumar Nandan, the CEO of Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, was also removed from his position.