Indranil Sen Arrested in Kolkata Amid Durga Puja Financial Probe
Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen faces arrest over alleged financial misconduct linked to Durga Puja events.
Indranil Sen was arrested after a lengthy questioning by the Enforcement Directorate.
The investigation focuses on financial irregularities involving ticket sales for Durga Puja preview shows.
Over ₹3.8 crore was reportedly deposited into Sen's accounts during his ministerial tenure.
Indranil Sen, the former tourism minister of West Bengal, was taken into custody by Kolkata Police on Wednesday following extensive questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities associated with preview shows for the Durga Puja festival.
The ED's inquiry centers on the Mass Art Society, an organization led by Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen. This group was responsible for organizing preview shows at various pandals in Kolkata. Allegations suggest that the organization sold tickets ranging from ₹1,749 to ₹5,499, with over 100,000 tickets reportedly issued for the years 2023 and 2024.
According to the ED, the funds generated from these ticket sales were allegedly misappropriated through cash withdrawals or misclassified as miscellaneous expenses. Furthermore, the agency claims that more than ₹3.8 crore was deposited into the bank accounts of Sen and his business, Octave Records, during his time in office. The investigation also revealed a transfer of nearly ₹30 lakh from Octave Records to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's accounts, which Sen referred to as a 'royalty,' though the ED did not clarify the nature of this payment.
This case is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED conducted a thorough inquiry, questioning Sen for around ten hours and searching 15 locations in Kolkata linked to him and his associates as part of the investigation.
Looking ahead, the implications of this case could be significant for both Sen and the political landscape in West Bengal. As the investigation unfolds, further developments are expected, particularly regarding the financial dealings of the Mass Art Society and any potential repercussions for other political figures involved.
