Kolkata: Former state sports minister Aroop Biswas faced fresh embarrassment on Monday when footballs were hurled at his SUV outside Bidhannagar South police station after he underwent nearly three hours of questioning in connection with alleged irregularities surrounding Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour event at Salt Lake Stadium last year.The incident comes four days after Biswas was heckled outside Alipore court, where protesters shouted “chor, chor” and threatened an egg attack, forcing him to remain inside his lawyer’s chamber for nearly three hours before police escorted him out.Biswas arrived at the police station around 11 am and left shortly after 2 pm following questioning by investigators. Even before his arrival, BJP supporters had gathered outside carrying footballs and a garland made of torn football boots.As Biswas left the station in his SUV with the windows rolled up, several footballs were thrown at the vehicle. Police intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.The probe stems from a complaint lodged on May 17 by event organiser Shatadru Dutta. The complaint alleges that Biswas demanded 22,000 complimentary tickets for the Messi event, which were subsequently sold on the black market.Biswas, who has been named as an accused, appeared before investigators for the second time on Monday after previously skipping multiple summonses. Police are investigating allegations of ticket black-marketing, extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation linked to the event.Speaking to reporters, Biswas said he would continue to cooperate with the investigation. “They did not give me a date today. They will inform me again. If they give a date, I will come again,” he said.Refusing to comment on the allegations, Biswas maintained that the matter was sub judice. Asked about factional divisions within the Trinamool, he said: “I am in the Trinamool. Trinamool remains Trinamool. I am with Mamata-di.”
