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WB sports minister hints at probe into Messi episode, slams VIP culture under TMC regime
West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik suggested a possible probe into the December 2025 Messi episode at Salt Lake Stadium and criticised politicisation of sports under the previous TMC regime. The Messi controversy involved overcrowding, VIP interference, security lapses, and vandalism, leading to the resignation of a former sports minister and a public apology by Mamata Banerjee. Pramanik's remarks in May 2026 signal renewed scrutiny of the incident and calls for professional, transparent administration.
Why It Matters
This timeline highlights governance and accountability concerns in state sports administration and the ongoing effort to depoliticise sports.
Timeline
3 Events
Nisith Pramanik signals probe and seeks files
May 12, 2026
Nisith Pramanik, after taking charge of the sports department, said he had sought the files related to the Messi incident, indicating a possible probe into the role of organisers and officials; he criticised the erstwhile government for politicising sports and vowed to restore professionalism and transparency.
Public outrage leads to Biswas resignation and Banerjee apology
December 2025
Public outrage over the fiasco forced Aroop Biswas to resign from the sports portfolio to facilitate what he described as an unbiased investigation. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans and ordered a probe into the incident.
Messi episode at Salt Lake Stadium in December 2025
December 2025
The Messi controversy centers on December 2025 at Salt Lake Stadium where thousands of fans with expensive tickets were unable to watch Lionel Messi due to overcrowding, alleged VIP interference and security lapses; a section of spectators vandalised parts of the stadium. The organiser Satadru Dutta later alleged pressure for special access passes and blamed political interference for the crowd-management collapse.