Former West Bengal minister and singer Indranil Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving the sale of preview tickets for select Durga Puja pandals. Officials said the investigation centres on alleged financial misconduct involving Mass Art Society, an organisation headed by Sen’s wife.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sen, his wife and senior officials of the private company MassArt in June 2026, following a complaint by Jaydeep Mukherjee, a travel consultant and Durga Puja promoter. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) subsequently initiated a parallel investigation into suspected money laundering linked to the case.
Sen is accused of collecting crores of rupees between 2022 and 2025 through the sale of high-priced passes for previews of selected Durga Puja pandals, allegedly using false claims of a partnership with UNESCO.
According to a senior police officer, Sen visited the ED’s Kolkata office for questioning and was arrested after leaving the premises. He was scheduled to be produced before a court for further proceedings.
The charges against Sen reportedly include criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Calcutta High Court had earlier rejected his anticipatory bail plea.
Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Wider Links
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described Sen’s arrest as an initial step in a wider investigation and suggested that further arrests could follow.
Adhikari alleged that Sen had received substantial sums from the state’s information and cultural affairs department through an event management company associated with his wife. He also claimed that Sen had constructed a farmhouse in Singur, Hooghly district.
The chief minister further alleged that former chief minister Mamata Banerjee could have benefited from the proceeds of the suspected financial irregularities. These allegations remain subject to investigation and have not been established as findings of guilt.
The ED had stated in an October 1 press release that Sen transferred ₹30 lakh to Banerjee through banking channels as royalty. The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) subsequently said Banerjee had written lyrics and composed music for Sen’s songs and received royalties for her work.
Adhikari used the arrest to suggest that investigators could examine a wider circle of individuals allegedly connected to the case. He compared the development to having tea and biscuits before breakfast, indicating that further action might follow.
Trinamool Congress Criticises the Arrest
AITC MP Abhishek Banerjee criticised the arrest, alleging that individuals opposing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were being targeted while others were being spared.
The political exchange has intensified scrutiny of the case, which involves allegations against a former minister who was also closely associated with Banerjee and is known for his work as a Bengali singer.
Adhikari also criticised Sen’s earlier political associations, claiming that he had enjoyed close ties with the Left Front government before developing a relationship with Banerjee.
Leaders Express Confidence in Legal Process
AITC Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen expressed confidence in the constitutional and judicial process, saying the party had faith in the Constitution, the judiciary and the public, and that the truth would prevail.
The ED’s money-laundering investigation and the police case are proceeding separately. Investigators are examining the alleged financial transactions, the collection of ticket proceeds and the possible movement of funds.
The allegations against Sen and the other individuals involved remain subject to legal proceedings. Their culpability will be determined through the judicial process.
