ED searches 10 Kolkata locations linked to ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen in UNESCO case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday searched 10 locations in Kolkata and elsewhere linked to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a money laundering investigation into alleged collection of funds using the name and branding of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

A farmhouse in Hooghly's Singur and Sen's residence in Kasba were among the premises searched, according to sources. The house of a close relative of the former minister and properties linked to people allegedly associated with the case were also searched.

Central force personnel accompanied the ED teams and cordoned off the premises during the searches.

The investigation relates to allegations that money was collected from the public in connection with Durga Puja by allegedly misusing UNESCO's name. Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, is also an accused in the case.

Probe follows complaint over Durga Puja collections

The ED action follows a police complaint filed in June against Sen, his wife and others. The complaint alleged that the accused had misused UNESCO's recognition of Kolkata's Durga Puja to collect money through an organisation associated with the promotion of the festival. Kolkata Police subsequently registered an FIR over the allegations.

The complaint was filed by Jaydeep Mukherjee, an international travel consultant and Durga Puja promoter. It alleged that Sen, Madhuchhanda and other functionaries of the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society, known as massArt, had falsely represented the organisation as an official UNESCO partner from 2022.

According to the complaint, massArt sold tickets for so-called preview shows at selected Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. Reports said the tickets were priced at ₹4,000 and were marketed on the basis of alleged UNESCO association. The complaint also alleged that buyers were told international delegations or UNESCO representatives would visit the selected pandals.

Sen has denied the allegations. He said his wife was associated with the organisation in her individual capacity and that he had seen documents which, according to him, showed it had UNESCO clearance. A massArt official also rejected the allegations and said the organisation had relevant documents to support its position.

ED examines alleged financial transactions

Preliminary reports said a businessman close to Sen is among those being examined in connection with the alleged collection of funds in UNESCO's name.

The ED is investigating the financial aspects of the case, including the organisation's activities and the people involved in arranging the Durga Puja preview events. The agency's searches are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, according to reports.

An Indian Express report said the ED was also examining allegations that around ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore had been collected from the public through preview shows and that the money may have been misappropriated. These are allegations under investigation and have not been established by a court.

The complaint also raised questions over a donor pass introduced in 2025, which was allegedly promoted as a means of supporting artisans and Puja committees. The complainant questioned whether there was adequate financial documentation or auditing of the funds collected.

Sen lost Bengal election earlier this year

Sen, a former West Bengal tourism minister, contested the state Assembly election earlier this year as a Trinamool Congress candidate from Hooghly but lost.

BJP leader and minister Dilip Ghosh, commenting on the developments, said the government was acting on a complaint of corruption. He also referred to allegations of money collection in the name of Durga Puja and said action would be taken on complaints.

The case centres on allegations concerning the use of UNESCO's name in connection with Durga Puja. Kolkata's Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2021.