kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, October 29: Former West Bengal minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader Indranil Sen was produced before the Kolkata City Sessions Court at Bankshall Court on Thursday following his arrest by Kolkata Police in connection with an alleged multi-crore financial embezzlement case involving the sale of Durga Puja preview show tickets and VIP entry passes in the name of UNESCO.

The arrest has triggered considerable political and administrative attention in West Bengal, with investigators seeking to establish the alleged financial transactions and determine the extent of the suspected irregularities. According to police sources, Sen was arrested in connection with specific allegations of financial fraud and forgery registered at Bowbazar Police Station.

The development came on Wednesday after Sen appeared for an extended round of questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the central agency's office in the CGO Complex in Salt Lake. He was reportedly arrested by Kolkata Police shortly after coming out of the premises following the prolonged questioning. The circumstances surrounding the arrest have brought the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Durga Puja preview events back into the spotlight.

Investigators suspect that an organised network was involved in the alleged unauthorised sale of preview passes and the diversion of substantial amounts of money by using the international recognition of Durga Puja as a promotional tool. The organisation named 'Mass Art' has emerged as a key part of the investigation, with police examining its alleged role in the sale of passes and the handling of funds.

The allegations being investigated, the name and recognition of UNESCO were used in connection with the sale of passes for Durga Puja preview shows and VIP entry. The investigators are now seeking to trace the flow of money, identify the people involved in the transactions and determine whether the proceeds were handled in violation of the law. The exact amount involved and the individual responsibilities of those under scrutiny remain matters for the investigation to establish.

After arresting Sen, Kolkata Police brought him before the court on Thursday and sought custody for further questioning. Investigators are understood to be seeking an opportunity to examine the alleged financial transactions in greater detail and establish the sequence of events behind the suspected racket. The police are also expected to focus on the role of the organisation and the manner in which the preview passes were allegedly sold.

The case has drawn attention because it concerns the use of Durga Puja, one of West Bengal's most prominent cultural festivals, and references to its international recognition. UNESCO inscribed Kolkata's Durga Puja on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. The alleged misuse of that recognition for financial gain has therefore become a significant aspect of the controversy.

Sen's arrest and subsequent appearance before the court have generated a stir in political circles as well as the state administration. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The court will consider the police's request for custody in accordance with the applicable legal process, while investigators continue their efforts to establish the facts surrounding the alleged financial irregularities.

The case is likely to remain under close scrutiny as the investigation progresses, particularly as police seek to clarify the alleged role of the parties involved, trace the money trail and determine whether further action is warranted. Any finding of criminal responsibility will depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of the legal proceedings.