The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched searches at 10 locations in Kolkata, including properties linked to former West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress leader Indranil Sen, in connection with an alleged ₹50–60 crore financial irregularity involving Durga Puja preview shows organised by MassArt.
The searches began early in the morning at Sen’s properties in Kasba, Highland Park and Hindustan Park, as well as premises linked to his relatives and associates.
The investigation centres on allegations that MassArt, an organisation associated with Sen and his wife, Madhuchanda Sen, collected substantial sums from the public by allegedly using UNESCO’s name and logo to promote exclusive Durga Puja preview events.
The ED is examining the society’s financial transactions, the collection of funds and their alleged diversion. The allegations remain under investigation, and no guilt has been established against the individuals concerned.
What is the MassArt controversy?
MassArt, formally known as Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society, was established in 2022 under the leadership of Indranil Sen and his wife, Madhuchanda Sen.
The organisation allegedly presented itself as an official partner of UNESCO and organised preview shows at 24 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata after the festival received recognition from the United Nations cultural agency.
According to the complaint, the society used UNESCO’s name and logo to sell tickets and special passes at high prices, allegedly collecting between ₹50 crore and ₹60 crore.
The complainants have alleged that the organisation misrepresented its association with UNESCO to attract funds from the public.
The ED is now investigating how the money was collected, where it was transferred and whether any portion was diverted for personal or other unauthorised purposes.
Complaint at Bowbazar police station triggered investigation
The case came to light after a couple filed a written complaint at Bowbazar Police Station in June, accusing MassArt of financial irregularities linked to Durga Puja preview shows.
The complainants alleged that they had noticed the purported use of UNESCO’s name and logo to raise money but had refrained from approaching the authorities earlier.
They claimed that the political circumstances at the time had made it difficult for them to raise the issue and that they decided to file a complaint following the change of government in the state.
The complaint reportedly identified Madhuchanda Sen as the person heading the organisation and raised questions about the use of UNESCO’s branding and the funds collected through the events.
The allegations subsequently led to a police case, with the ED now examining the suspected money trail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Indranil Sen calls allegations baseless
Indranil Sen had earlier rejected the allegations, claiming that the complainants were attempting to serve their own commercial interests.
In June, responding to the accusations, the former minister reportedly described them as “baseless” and alleged that they were motivated by business interests.
The ED’s searches on Tuesday mark a significant development in the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving MassArt.
The agency is examining financial records, documents and transactions connected with the organisation to establish how the money was collected and whether any funds were diverted.
As of Tuesday, the agency had not publicly disclosed the complete findings of the searches or announced any arrests in connection with the operation.
