ED Questions Indranil Sen for 10 Hours Over Durga Puja Preview Pass Probe

The Enforcement Directorate questioned former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen for nearly 10 hours on Wednesday over alleged financial irregularities linked to Durga Puja preview shows and sale of passes, an official said.

Sen reached the ED office at the CGO Complex around 10.45 am, a day after the agency searched 15 premises linked to him in connection with the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

An ED officer said investigators questioned Sen about allegations that passes for the Durga Puja events were sold at substantially higher prices. The agency is examining the collection and movement of funds and the role of individuals associated with the organisation. The officer said some questions remained unanswered.

The case stems from a June complaint lodged with Kolkata Police against Sen, his wife Madhuchhanda Sen and office-bearers of Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society, or massArt. The organisation, headed by Madhuchhanda Sen, conducts Durga Puja preview shows.

The complaint alleged that massArt used claims of an association with UNESCO while organising preview programmes covering 24 selected Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. The allegations also concern the pricing and sale of passes and the handling of funds.

The ED is examining massArt’s ownership and management, the flow of funds and possible links with influential people. The agency is also investigating whether any money collected through the programmes was diverted for personal benefit.

Kolkata’s Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Investigators are examining the use of UNESCO’s name and logo in promotional material.

Sen, who served as a minister in the previous Trinamool Congress government, has earlier denied the allegations. He did not respond to reporters’ questions while leaving the ED office on Wednesday.

The ED’s latest questioning followed Tuesday’s searches as the agency continues examining the financial transactions and management of massArt.

The agency is also examining financial records and transactions connected with the preview programmes and pass sales.