1 hr ago
ED Searches Ex-Minister Indranil Sen in Durga Puja Funds Case
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating former minister Indranil Sen and an organisation connected to his wife.
The organisation, called massArt, arranged special tours of Durga Puja celebrations.
Investigators believe large amounts of money may have been collected from visitors and pass sales.
Reports put the alleged amount at Rs 50–60 crore.
They are checking whether any money was used for personal benefit.
They are also examining whether the tours took visitors to a private art gallery.
Sen has denied the allegations, while massArt had not responded when reported.
The investigation is still continuing, and no final finding has been announced.
The Enforcement Directorate searched 15 premises linked to former Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others.
The investigation focuses on massArt, led by Sen’s wife, and its Durga Puja preview shows.
Officials are examining allegations that Rs 50–60 crore was collected through preview shows and pass sales.
Investigators are tracing possible links between the tours and Maya Art Gallery, including artwork purchases and proceeds.
The PMLA probe follows a June Kolkata Police complaint and remains dependent on financial evidence from the searches.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate is investigating former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen, his wife’s organisation massArt, and others.
- What
- Officials searched 15 premises in a money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities involving Durga Puja preview shows and pass sales.
- Where
- The searches covered premises in Kolkata and adjoining areas.
- When
- The searches took place on Tuesday; the related complaint was lodged with Kolkata Police in June.
- Why
- Investigators are examining alleged collection and possible diversion of funds, including a reported Rs 50–60 crore, and possible links to Maya Art Gallery.
Investigators’ Allegations
Sen’s Response
Use of preview-show funds
Investigators’ Allegations
The Enforcement Directorate is examining whether massArt collected substantial sums through Durga Puja preview shows and passes and diverted some money for personal gain.
Sen’s Response
Indranil Sen has denied the allegations. MassArt had not immediately provided a response to the searches.
UNESCO and cultural-tourism claims
Investigators’ Allegations
Officials cited by one report allege that massArt collected money by falsely representing it as being raised for a UNESCO-sponsored entity and are examining whether cultural tours generated business for a private gallery.
Sen’s Response
The reports do not provide a detailed response from Sen or massArt on the UNESCO-related allegation or the alleged gallery connection; they note that Kolkata’s Durga Puja received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2021.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate
- Legal basis
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Search operation
- 15 premises linked to Indranil Sen and others
- Organisation under scrutiny
- Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society (massArt), headed by Sen’s wife
- Alleged amount
- Approximately Rs 50–60 crore reportedly collected through preview shows and pass sales
- Related complaint
- A complaint was lodged with Kolkata Police in June against Sen, his wife, and other massArt office-bearers
- Additional inquiry
- Investigators are examining possible links between massArt tours and Maya Art Gallery
- UNESCO reference
- One report says funds were allegedly represented as being raised for a UNESCO-sponsored entity; another notes UNESCO gave Kolkata’s Durga Puja an Intangible Cultural Heritage designation in 2021
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal chief minister quoted reacting to the ED action
“Even money used to come out of the packets meant for distributing relief.”
rediff.com
Sources
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