Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched 15 premises in Kolkata on Tuesday, September 29, in a money laundering case linked to MassArt (Mahanirban Road Mass Art) Society. The society runs Durga Puja “Preview Shows”. Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and his close associates are among those covered. The searches began early in the morning. Police and other security forces assisted the ED teams. The agency is going through documents and other material to trace how money moved through the society and how it was used.
MassArt Society (officially registered as the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society) is a West Bengal-based socio-cultural, not-for-profit organization established in June 2022. Its stated objective is to promote the arts, culture, and heritage of Bengal globally. MassArt organises night-time Durga Puja Preview Shows, guiding visitors through selected pandals before the festival.
MassArt started the Preview Show of Durga Puja Art (PSDPA) in 2022. It is the society’s main programme, according to its own website and reports. Durga Puja pandals stay shut to the public until the formal opening. After that, huge crowds fill the streets. The preview lets visitors look at the artwork before the rush begins.The shows are held about a week before the festival rituals start. Visitors can park near the venues and see the finished themes. At times they can watch artisans complete their final touches. MassArt describes it as the world’s first public art show held at night. Visits take place after dark so that lighting on the structures can be seen. Guides lead groups, and visitors register in advance.
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MassArt does not cover the city’s 3,000-odd pujas. It picks about 24 to 26 modern pandals, along with a few traditional pujas and old family (Bonedibari) pujas.MassArt also runs exhibitions, such as “Making of Durga Puja Art” at Kolkata Town Hall and events at the Alipore Museum. Artisans demonstrate folk art forms including Patachitra, Shola craft and Chhau masks.
According to officials, MassArt collected large sums from the public by claiming to be a UNESCO-sponsored entity. The claim was false, they said. The money was then used for personal gain. The society is reported to be led by Sen’s wife. The allegations have not been tested in court.
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The ED has named no arrests so far. Sen and his associates are being covered in the action, along with other individuals and entities. Officials have not released their names. The searches fall under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency is treating the case as one involving alleged proceeds of crime.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is a major annual festival. It draws crowds in millions, sponsors and donors. In December 2021, UNESCO added Durga Puja in Kolkata to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The listing recognises the festival. It does not make any puja committee or organiser a UNESCO body. The ED’s case rests on the allegation that MassArt presented itself as one.
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The complaint alleges that the society, reportedly linked to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen, wrongly claimed to be sponsored by, or partnered with, UNESCO. It is alleged that this claim was used to sell passes for the preview shows, priced at up to ₹4,000 per person according to reports, and that the money was used for personal gain.
Preview shows are events held before the festival, where organisers display puja themes and idols. Public interest in such events makes them a source of donations and sponsorship. The ED is examining whether money raised for these shows was diverted. The case questions how large puja-linked organisations raise and account for public money. It also involves a former minister, which adds a political dimension. Any claim of a link with an international body is easy to check. The allegation is that the public was not given that chance.
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ED will examine the seized documents and records. It may summon those covered in the searches for questioning. The agency will compare bank records, donation trails and expenditure with what the society told contributors. The case will move forward on what the paperwork shows.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched 15 locations in Kolkata connected to MassArt Society. The case is registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is based on a police complaint.
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Neither Sen nor MassArt has issued a public response, based on the reports available so far. This report will be updated if they do. 
