Swarup Biswas, the sibling of former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, was apprehended by the Kolkata Police on Thursday in connection with an extortion matter registered at New Alipore Police Station. This development follows a complaint lodged by Simran Pal, who accused Swarup Biswas and accomplices of threatening him to extort monetary compensation.

The police initiated a case based on this complaint, incorporating sections related to extortion, criminal intimidation, unlawful assembly, and violations under the Arms Act. Reports suggest that investigators are also examining allegations pertaining to the use of weapons during the incidents of intimidation against the complainant.

Connection to the Messi Event Controversy

Swarup Biswas’s arrest occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny linked to a considerable incident involving Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s event at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2022. The event has attracted criticism following allegations made by Shatadru Dutta, the event organiser, who implicated several individuals, including the Biswas brothers, in various criminal activities.

Dutta claimed that there were extensive instances of ticket black-marketing, leading to nearly 22,000 tickets sold illegally. Furthermore, he alleged that Aroop Biswas leveraged his position as sports minister to exert undue influence over the organisation of the programme, contributing to both disorder at the event and subsequent financial losses for those involved.

The situation escalated when the event witnessed significant chaos, resulting in vandalism and multiple complaints that triggered investigations. As the controversy unfolded, allegations surrounding misuse of authority, extortion, and intimidation became focal points for authorities handling the case.

Further Developments in the Investigation

On Thursday, Aroop Biswas did not comply with requests from investigators pertaining to the Messi event case, which required his presence by June 5. The former minister reportedly requested a two-week extension to comply with the inquiry, citing health issues as justification for his absence.

Dutta, the organiser, was arrested during the investigation and spent 37 days in custody before being released on bail. In his statements, he has pointed to the Biswas brothers as key figures responsible for the mismanagement of the event, linking them directly to the financial setbacks experienced by the event’s organisers.

The investigation continues as authorities aim to unearth the full extent of the alleged crimes, with both Swarup and Aroop Biswas facing scrutiny over their involvement in these high-profile matters. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected as police continue their probe into the various allegations surrounding the case.

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