The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday searched properties linked to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in Kolkata and Singur in connection with allegations of financial irregularities involving Durga Puja access passes, according to a report by Bartaman Patrika. The searches reportedly began early in the morning and covered 10 locations, including Sen’s residence in Kasba and properties belonging to his relatives.
Officials also searched Sen’s garden house, known as ‘Mohor’, in Singur, on the outskirts of Kolkata. Local residents told the newspaper that the property was developed around eight to 10 years ago after open land was purchased. They also claimed that Sen’s convoy and visitors had travelled to the property at different times.
The investigation relates to allegations surrounding a company named Mass Art, which reportedly sold passes offering access to a number of Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations under a programme described as ‘Puja Parikrama’. A complaint was filed in June at Bowbazar police station against Sen, his wife and the company, the report said.
The allegations include questions over the validity of the passes and the collection of substantial sums from members of the public. The initial estimate cited in the report places the alleged financial irregularities at approximately Rs 50 crore to Rs 60 crore. The figure is an investigative estimate reported by the newspaper and has not been established as a final finding in the supplied material.
The case has also drawn attention to the use of UNESCO’s name and logo. Kolkata’s Durga Puja received UNESCO recognition in 2021. According to the report, Mass Art was formed a few months after that recognition and allegedly presented itself as an official partner of UNESCO while promoting Kolkata’s Durga Puja events. The company is further accused of using UNESCO’s name and logo without permission to make the passes appear more credible.
The reported searches place the case within a wider question about how public access to major cultural events is packaged, sold and represented. Durga Puja attracts large crowds across Kolkata, and private passes, promotional partnerships and claims of institutional association can influence how residents and visitors assess the legitimacy of event offerings.
The newspaper report did not include a statement from Sen, his wife, Mass Art or UNESCO responding to the allegations. It also did not provide details of any seizure, arrest or formal Enforcement Directorate statement. The investigation and the allegations remain subject to the findings of the authorities and the due process of law.
