Messi Ticket Black Marketing: Shatadru Files ₹50 Crore Defamation Suit Against Arup.

Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Shatadru Dutta, the primary organizer of Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata—dubbed the 'GOAT Tour'—filed a series of allegations on Monday against West Bengal's former Sports Minister, Arup Biswas. Shatadru claims that tickets for the event were misappropriated and that he was subjected to immense pressure regarding the issuance of access cards. The event, held at the Salt Lake Stadium to honor Messi, was marred by extreme chaos. Spectators, despite having purchased tickets at exorbitant prices, erupted in anger after failing to get a proper glimpse of the Argentine legend. The situation turned volatile after Messi departed the venue ahead of schedule. Enraged spectators attempted to breach the stadium gates and began hurling water bottles.

**Spectators' Grievances**

The irate spectators alleged that the event's management was abysmal; they claimed that VIPs and political leaders monopolized Messi's entire time at the venue, leaving ordinary fans unable to catch even a fleeting glimpse of their beloved star. The situation escalated further when a group of agitated spectators stormed the pitch, attempting to vandalize the event marquee and the goalposts. Police were compelled to resort to mild use of force to bring the situation under control.

**Shatadru Makes Explosive Allegations Against Arup**

In an interview with ANI, Shatadru Dutta leveled allegations of misconduct against Arup Biswas, his relatives, and other officials. He asserted that there were major security lapses in the arrangements for the event. He claimed he was pressured regarding the distribution of access cards and questioned how—despite personally overseeing all arrangements—such a large number of unauthorized individuals managed to gain entry.

Shatadru further alleged that Arup Biswas had misappropriated tickets and that he himself had been threatened regarding the event's access management. He also criticized the role played by the police. Shatadru stated that he has lodged a formal complaint and plans to file a civil suit seeking ₹50 crore in damages. Additionally, he intends to file a separate defamation suit. He emphatically demanded that an impartial inquiry be conducted into this entire episode. Satadru Dutta stated, "I have come here to lodge a complaint against the Sports Minister (Arup Biswas) and his relatives. Furthermore, there are complaints regarding certain high-ranking government officials—both serving and retired—who gained entry to the venue, as well as specifically concerning the failure of the police on that day. Sports Minister Arup Biswas obtained tickets from me; I suspect he sold them on the black market. He issued grave threats against me regarding the issuance of access cards."

He further added, "Even after I refused to issue the access cards, people still managed to enter the venue. How did they get in? I have filed a complaint covering all these matters... I intend to file a compensation suit seeking 50 crore rupees, as well as a separate defamation suit... They have made a scapegoat out of me. This investigation must be conducted impartially."