The Calcutta High Court has refused anticipatory bail to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a case involving alleged financial irregularities linked to the sale of Durga Puja preview tickets and the purported use of UNESCO’s name.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, while rejecting Sen’s plea, observed that the allegations raised questions about the possible misuse of his official position and the diversion of government funds for private benefit.
The Court noted that the allegations pointed towards possible corruption, with public money allegedly channelled through a tender process in a manner that benefited Sen and his family members. It also took into account his position as the then Minister of Information and Cultural Affairs, which placed him at the centre of the department’s affairs.
The case was registered by Bowbazar police station on June 9. According to the allegations, between 2022 and 2024, people were induced to purchase tickets for Durga Puja preview shows through an organisation called Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society, which was purportedly presented as being associated with UNESCO.
During the hearing, Sen’s side argued that the sale of tickets and donor passes was limited in scale and did not require government backing or ministerial intervention. It was also contended that the allegations concerning the diversion of public funds stemmed from a change in the State government.
The defence further maintained that Sen’s financial assets could be explained by his earnings over the years as an established singer.
Opposing the bail application, the State alleged that Sen had misused his ministerial position to route government money into bank accounts linked to himself and his family members through shell entities. The State also named Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society among the entities allegedly involved in the transactions.
After considering the rival submissions, the Court declined to grant anticipatory bail on October 15, holding that Sen had failed to establish sufficient grounds for the relief sought.
The ruling concerns Sen’s request for protection from arrest. The allegations of financial wrongdoing remain accusations to be examined in the course of the proceedings.