West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas Steps Down After Chaos At Kolkata Messi Event
West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas tendered his resignation on Tuesday following alleged mismanagement during a football programme held at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake earlier this month. The event, organised on 13 December 2025 as part of a high-profile football tour, witnessed large-scale disorder inside the stadium, leading to widespread criticism and administrative scrutiny.
Biswas submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing his decision to step down from his ministerial responsibility. The development came as the state government initiated action against several officials after receiving a preliminary enquiry report into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar, Mukesh Kumar, was also asked to clarify the role of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate in handling crowd control and security during the programme.
In addition, the Principal Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, has been issued a show-cause notice seeking clarification on administrative failures linked to the planning and execution of the event.
The state government has stated that the action taken so far is part of an effort to fix responsibility and prevent similar incidents at future large-scale sporting events. Further steps are expected based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Biswas submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing his decision to step down from his ministerial responsibility. The development came as the state government initiated action against several officials after receiving a preliminary enquiry report into the incident.
Preliminary Enquiry Triggers Action
Based on the preliminary enquiry report dated 15 December 2025, the West Bengal government began issuing show-cause notices to senior officials associated with event management and security arrangements. Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar was served a notice seeking an explanation within 24 hours regarding alleged lapses and lack of coordination with stakeholders, including the private organiser.The Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar, Mukesh Kumar, was also asked to clarify the role of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate in handling crowd control and security during the programme.
Police Officials Face Disciplinary Measures
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Aneesh Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, for alleged negligence of duty. He has been placed under suspension pending the completion of the enquiry. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure a fair investigation into the reported lapses.In addition, the Principal Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, has been issued a show-cause notice seeking clarification on administrative failures linked to the planning and execution of the event.
Changes In Stadium Administration
Action has also been taken against the stadium’s administrative leadership. The services of Deb Kumar Nandan, retired WBCS officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, have been withdrawn with immediate effect. Authorities cited his alleged role in the mismanagement that led to disorder at the venue.SIT Formed To Probe Incident
To conduct a detailed investigation, the state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team. The SIT includes IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar, and Muralidhar. The team has been tasked with examining security arrangements, coordination among departments, and the role of the event organisers.Security Lapses Under Scrutiny
The incident occurred on the day the footballer’s India tour began from Kolkata, when chaos broke out inside the stadium. Reports indicated vandalism and unauthorised entry onto the playing area by spectators. Questions were raised over how restricted items such as water bottles were carried inside and how large numbers of people were able to breach security barriers.The state government has stated that the action taken so far is part of an effort to fix responsibility and prevent similar incidents at future large-scale sporting events. Further steps are expected based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
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