ED FLAGS ₹30 LAKH TRANSFER TO MAMATA BANERJEE IN DURGA PUJA MONEY-LAUNDERING PROBE
October 2, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate has said its investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding Durga Puja preview shows found that a firm linked to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen transferred nearly ₹30 lakh through banking channels to Mamata Banerjee.
According to the agency, the transfer was made from the bank account of Octave Records, a proprietorship concern associated with Sen. The former minister has told investigators that the payment represented royalty.
The ED has not, however, alleged criminality in the transfer itself. The transaction has emerged as part of a wider money-laundering investigation into the activities of the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society, or MassArt, which organised commercial Durga Puja preview programmes.
The agency has alleged that more than ₹3.8 crore in cash was deposited into bank accounts connected with Sen and Octave Records during his tenure. Investigators are examining the source and movement of these funds as part of the broader probe.
The case centres on allegations that MassArt collected money from the public by portraying its Durga Puja preview shows as being connected with UNESCO. The organisation reportedly sold tickets for access to selected pandals, while the ED is investigating whether UNESCO’s name, logo and goodwill were used without authorisation.
The agency has said that more than one lakh tickets were issued for preview programmes during 2023 and 2024, with ticket prices reportedly ranging from ₹1,749 to ₹5,499. Investigators are examining allegations that proceeds were subsequently withdrawn in cash or accounted for under miscellaneous expenses.
The ED recently searched multiple premises linked to Sen and others and subsequently questioned the former minister for several hours. The investigation is continuing under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with authorities examining financial records and the alleged flow of funds.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the identification of a financial transaction in the agency’s findings does not by itself establish criminal wrongdoing by the recipient. Further proceedings will determine the nature and legality of the transactions under scrutiny.
