Kolkata Police Arrest Swarup Biswas Amid Lionel Messi Event Controversy

Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal Minister Aroop Biswas, was arrested following accusations linked to sports event extortion during Lionel Messi's visit. Aroop Biswas is under scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding illegal ticket sales and intimidation by the event's key organizer. Investigations progress as police take action.

Swarup Biswas, brother of ex-Minister Aroop Biswas of West Bengal, was arrested by Kolkata Police on Thursday. The arrest came under various charges registered at New Alipore Police Station, prompted by a complaint from Simran Pal, the authorities confirmed.

An FIR had been registered with New Alipore Police Station under diverse sections including the Arms Act, following Simran Pal's complaint. The accused, Swarup Biswas, aged 51, was taken into custody from Sahapur Colony at around 9 PM on June 4, while all legal protocols were duly observed, as Kolkata police reported.

This incident is tied to a larger controversy involving Aroop Biswas, accused by Satadru Dutta, organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour-Kolkata Edition, of extortion and several other charges. Dutta's complaint revealed Biswas's demands for complimentary tickets and attempts to manipulate the event, which was held in December 2025 featuring football icon Lionel Messi.