Kolkata Police arrest ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen after ED interrogation in Durga Puja ticket scam

The investigation centres on alleged financial irregularities involving Mass Art Society, an organisation headed by Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen.

According to preliminary ED estimates, the alleged irregularities could amount to between ₹50 crore and ₹60 crore.

The organisation is accused of collecting substantial sums from the public between 2022 and 2025 by allegedly claiming links to a UNESCO-sponsored entity and offering passes for privileged entry to Durga Puja preview shows.

Indranil Sen appears before ED

Sen, who served as tourism and culture minister in the previous Trinamool Congress government, appeared at the ED's office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on Wednesday afternoon.

A senior official said the former minister arrived with documents in connection with the agency's investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Durga Puja preview shows and pass sales.

Sen had previously been questioned several times in connection with the case.

His wife and associates are also under the agency's scanner over the alleged activities of Mass Art Society.

The ED is investigating allegations that the organisation collected money from members of the public for access to exclusive Durga Puja preview events by misrepresenting its association with UNESCO.

Mass Art Society under scanner

According to the allegations being investigated, Mass Art Society collected money from the public between 2022 and 2025 by offering passes for privileged entry to Durga Puja events.

The organisation allegedly created the impression that it was connected to, or sponsored by, UNESCO, and subsequently used the money collected for personal gains.

The ED's preliminary assessment puts the alleged financial irregularities at between ₹50 crore and ₹60 crore.

Sources said Mass Art Society was established soon after UNESCO recognised Kolkata's Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage in 2021.

According to the ED, Madhuchhanda Sen serves as the organisation's president, while Dhrubajyoti Bose is its secretary.

Sayantan Mitra holds the position of vice-president, and Ranjan Chatterjee is the treasurer.

The agency is examining the organisation's financial dealings and the alleged collection of funds through the sale of preview show passes.

Complaint at Bowbazar PS triggered probe

The case originated from a complaint lodged by Jaideep Mukherjee at Bowbazar police station in Kolkata.

Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the complaint, following which the ED initiated a separate investigation into the alleged financial irregularities and possible money laundering.

The complainant alleged that the organisation created an impression of having a direct association with, or approval from, UNESCO despite there being no such commercial agreement.

The investigation is examining the allegations surrounding the collection and use of funds linked to the Durga Puja preview shows.

ED conducts searches at Sen's properties

As part of the investigation, the ED previously conducted searches at several locations linked to Sen.

The premises searched included his residence in Kasba, Kolkata, and his garden house in Singur, in Hooghly district.

The searches formed part of the agency's investigation into the alleged financial transactions involving Mass Art Society and the sale of passes for privileged access to Durga Puja preview events.

The ED is also examining the alleged roles of Sen's wife and associates in the organisation's activities.

Sen's anticipatory bail plea rejected

Sen had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the case.

However, the court rejected his plea.

He subsequently challenged the High Court's order in the Supreme Court.