The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen for nearly 10 hours on Wednesday in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving Durga Puja preview shows and the sale of passes, an official said. The questioning came a day after the central agency searched 15 premises linked to Sen and others as part of its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sen, who served as a minister in the previous Trinamool Congress government, arrived at the ED office at the CGO Complex around 10.45 am. An ED official said investigators questioned him extensively over allegations that tickets for Durga Puja events had been sold at substantially inflated prices, adding that satisfactory responses had not been received to certain questions.
ED examines financial transactions
The agency is investigating the collection and movement of funds generated through Durga Puja preview programmes and the involvement of individuals associated with their organisation. Officials said investigators were examining the entire chain of financial transactions to determine whether any money had been diverted for personal benefit.
Sen did not respond to reporters' questions while leaving the ED office following the lengthy interrogation. He had earlier denied the allegations against him.
Complaint triggered money laundering probe
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged with Kolkata Police in June against Sen, his wife and other office-bearers of the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society (massArt). The organisation, headed by Sen's wife, has been conducting Durga Puja preview shows for visitors.
According to the allegations under investigation, massArt collected substantial amounts through the programmes and the sale of preview passes. The ED is examining the organisation's ownership and management structure, the movement of funds and possible links with influential individuals.
The agency's investigation is continuing, with officials scrutinising financial records and transactions associated with the preview programmes.