Two Top Officers Named in Complaint Over Alleged Security Breach at Lionel Messi Kolkata Event
A formal police complaint alleging serious security lapses during the high-profile “GOAT India Tour – Kolkata Edition” featuring Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has triggered fresh controversy in West Bengal.
The complaint was submitted by event organiser Satadru Dutta before the Bidhannagar South Police Station on May 18, 2026, seeking legal action and a detailed investigation into the alleged collapse of security arrangements during the event held in December last year.
Several prominent political and administrative figures, including former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar and senior IAS officer Santanu Basu, have been named in the complaint.
High-Profile Individuals Named in Complaint
According to details mentioned in the complaint, the following individuals have been accused in connection with the alleged security breach:
Arup Biswas
Juin Biswas
Santanu Basu, a 2000-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre
Rajiv Kumar, retired IPS officer of the 1989 batch
Other unidentified persons allegedly connected with the incident
The complaint reportedly seeks examination of the role played by the named individuals and others in the alleged failure of security protocols during the event.
Alleged Security Collapse During Messi Event
The controversy relates to the “GOAT India Tour – Kolkata Edition” programme organised at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025.
The event had attracted enormous public interest and widespread media attention due to the participation of Lionel Messi, considered one of the world’s greatest football players.
According to the complaint filed by the organiser, there were major lapses in crowd control and security management during the programme. Allegations include:
Unauthorized entry into restricted security areas
Breakdown of perimeter control systems
Disruption during the event proceedings
Compromise of security arrangements surrounding the football star
The complaint claims that the alleged security failures created a chaotic situation and raised serious concerns regarding event management and VIP protection.
Demand for Police Investigation
Event organiser Satadru Dutta has urged police authorities to formally register the complaint and launch a detailed probe into the circumstances that led to the alleged breach.
The complaint reportedly seeks investigation into whether any individuals intentionally or negligently interfered with established security protocols during the event.
Officials are also expected to examine event coordination mechanisms, access management and the role of individuals responsible for maintaining crowd and security arrangements.
Matter Gains Political and Administrative Attention
The inclusion of senior political leaders, a serving IAS officer and former police chief Rajiv Kumar has significantly increased public and political attention surrounding the matter.
Rajiv Kumar currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha after previously holding the post of Director General of Police in West Bengal.
Similarly, the mention of Santanu Basu, a senior bureaucrat of the West Bengal cadre, has added administrative significance to the controversy.
Political observers believe the complaint could become a subject of wider debate due to the involvement of influential personalities and the high-profile nature of the international sporting event.
No Official Responses Yet
At the time of reporting, no official public response had been issued by the individuals named in the complaint regarding the allegations.
Police authorities have also not publicly disclosed whether a formal FIR has been registered or what preliminary action, if any, has been initiated in connection with the complaint.
The matter continues to draw attention amid ongoing discussions over security management, crowd control and accountability during major public events involving international celebrities and sports personalities.
