Kolkata: The controversy over Lionel Messi’s much-publicised visit to Kolkata has taken a dramatic new turn, with a member of the Argentine football legend’s team reportedly writing directly to the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner and naming former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas as a key figure behind the chaos that unfolded at Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

The communication, sent by an individual who accompanied Messi during his ‘GOAT Tour’ visit to the city, alleges that several protocol violations and security lapses occurred during the event.

According to the e-mail, the situation on the field deteriorated after Arup Biswas entered the ground along with a large number of associates and photographers, many of whom allegedly did not have authorisation to be there.

One of the most serious allegations in the complaint relates to physical contact with the football superstar.

The e-mail reportedly states that Messi was repeatedly approached and touched while posing for photographs.

It alleges that Biswas placed his hands on the footballer's shoulder and waist on multiple occasions despite international security protocols that restrict physical contact with high-profile athletes.

‘Messi can be seen, but he cannot be touched,’ the communication reportedly notes, stressing that such interactions were not in keeping with standard protocol followed during appearances by global sporting icons.

The complaint further claims that only three photographers had been authorised to remain on the field during the programme.

However, nearly 40 photographers and other individuals were allegedly present around Messi, creating a crowded and uncontrolled environment that raised serious security concerns.

According to Messi’s team, the presence of unauthorised individuals compromised the footballer's safety and caused considerable discomfort.

The communication reportedly states that the situation became so chaotic that Messi was unable to continue participating in the programme as originally planned and was eventually forced to leave the venue earlier than scheduled.

Messi’s visit to Kolkata had drawn thousands of fans to Yuva Bharati Krirangan. However, many attendees later expressed frustration, claiming they were unable to properly see the World Cup-winning captain because he remained surrounded by politicians, officials and guests for much of the event.

The latest development is expected to add momentum to the ongoing police investigation.

Event organiser Shatadru Dutta, who has repeatedly accused Biswas of being responsible for the disorder witnessed that day, welcomed the emergence of the e-mail.

‘This will certainly help the investigation,’ Dutta said, maintaining that the communication supports claims he has been making since the controversy first erupted.

The dispute has also reached the Calcutta High Court. Dutta has challenged the interim protection from arrest granted to Biswas after an FIR was lodged in connection with the case.

Earlier, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya had directed the former minister to cooperate with investigators while instructing the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner to ensure an independent and impartial probe.

In his original complaint, Dutta alleged that around 70,000 tickets were printed for the event and claimed that nearly 22,000 were allegedly taken by the then sports minister using his influence.

He further alleged that many of those tickets were distributed among associates and sold.

With Messi’s own team now reportedly naming Arup Biswas and detailing alleged security breaches, the controversy surrounding the football icon’s Kolkata visit has entered a new and potentially significant phase.