Former West Bengal Tourism Minister, TMC leader and singer Indranil Sen has been remanded to police custody until November 10 in connection with an alleged multi-crore Durga Puja pass-selling scam involving suspected financial irregularities and the unauthorized use of UNESCO's name and logo. Kolkata Police arrested Sen in Salt Lake shortly after he underwent four hours of questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He was subsequently produced before Kolkata's Bankshall Court, where investigators sought 12 days of custody for further questioning.
The investigation originates from a complaint lodged at Bowbazar Police Station involving Sen, his wife Madhuchhanda Sen, several individuals and organizations associated with Durga Puja ticket distribution. Police have registered offences under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Investigators are scrutinizing financial transactions conducted through Mass Art during 2021–22. According to police submissions, substantial funds were allegedly transferred from the organization into Madhuchhanda Sen’s bank account. Authorities are examining whether the former TMC minister had any direct involvement in these financial dealings.
During court proceedings, prosecutors alleged that UNESCO had no direct role in selecting the 24 Durga Puja pandals associated with the disputed passes. They further claimed that the 2025 agreement did not authorize the use of UNESCO's logo, while questionable financial transactions had already occurred in 2022. Several customers allegedly paid for passes without receiving them.
Sen has firmly rejected the accusations, maintaining that he cooperated with investigators and held no official position in Mass Art or Third Eye. He also claimed that a separate agency managed ticket distribution and that other individuals connected with the case had already obtained bail.
The court granted police custody until November 10 as investigators continue examining financial records and organizational links.
