ED raids in West Bengal over Durga Puja fund diversion
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday searched 15 premises in Kolkata and surrounding areas linked to the MassArt Society, its office-bearers, and former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen, alleging that money raised for Durga Puja preview programs was diverted.
The operation took place on 29 September under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The agency said the move followed an FIR filed by the Kolkata Police against Sen, Ratan Chatterjee, president of MassArt; Bhuvaneswari Bose, secretary; Satyajit Sen, vice-president; Srimati Machanda Sen, treasurer; and other unnamed persons.
The police registered the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, specifically citing Sections 316(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2). The ED claims that from 2022 to 2025, the defendant raised money from the public via MassArt for Durga Puja activities, including the “Purvavalokan” preview events, and diverted large amounts for his own benefit instead of using them for the stated purpose.
The ED said that commercial sponsorship was given in the name of the festival and that tickets ranging from `149 to `5,499 were sold for the preview events. The agency also claims that MassArt’s name, text and logo were used commercially without authorisation. It is argued that funds presented as being collected for the community festival were diverted, with the society’s structure used to give the operation a semblance of legitimacy.
Authorities seized documents and digital devices during the searches. The directorate said it was reviewing the material and that the investigation would continue. The press note does not state the total amount allegedly diverted and makes no mention of any arrests.
In recent years, MassArt has arranged big preview events and cultural programmes in Kolkata for Durga Puja; the FIR names Sen, a minister in the Trinamool Congress government, as the main accused. The complaint states that the other people held formal positions in the society.
This case is part of a series of money-laundering investigations into alleged irregularities in the funding of festivals and cultural events in West Bengal. A search made under Section 17 allows for the seizure of records and property thought to be the proceeds of crime; it does not prove guilt. After the investigation, the prosecution must file a complaint with a special court and, where the law permits, attach assets.
Officials said the current effort involves tracking funds from ticket sales and sponsorships, reviewing the bank accounts involved, and determining whether money has passed through accounts connected to the accused or people associated with them. The ED added that the investigation is still ongoing.
