ED Raids 15 Kolkata Locations Over Alleged Durga Puja ‘Ticket Scam’; Former Bengal Minister’s Premises Searched

Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted simultaneous searches at 15 locations across Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the activities of the ‘Mass Arts Society’.

The searches also extended to premises linked to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen, according to officials.

Probe Into Alleged ‘Mass Arts Society’ Activities

According to the ED, the investigation centres on a group of individuals who allegedly set up an organisation called ‘Mass Arts Society’ and presented it to the public as an organisation approved by UNESCO.

Officials said the agency is examining the group’s activities and the alleged proceeds of crime generated through them.

Durga Puja Events Under Scanner

The investigation also concerns events organised in connection with Durga Puja, where tickets were allegedly sold to the public under the banner of the organisation.

ED teams are currently examining documents and other materials recovered from the 15 locations. The agency is also scrutinising premises linked to Indranil Sen as it seeks to establish the source, collection and utilisation of the funds allegedly generated through the activities.

The searches are part of the ongoing investigation, and the allegations are yet to be established in court.