Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested in Probe

Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police on October 28 after appearing for questioning at the Enforcement Directorate’s office, as authorities investigate alleged financial irregularities involving Durga Puja passes and preview shows organised by MassArt Society. Police took Sen from the ED office in Salt Lake to Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, according to officials. The case is being investigated by both the ED and Kolkata Police and stems from a complaint filed at Bowbazar police station. The arrest does not establish guilt, and the allegations remain under investigation. The probe centres on MassArt Society, which is associated with Sen’s wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, and organised preview shows and privileged access at Durga Puja pandals. The ED alleges that the organisation collected money from the public by creating the impression that it was directly associated with or approved by UNESCO. The agency says no such commercial agreement existed. Durga Puja was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2021, but that recognition does not itself establish commercial approval for pass sales. The ED’s preliminary estimate...