Former Minister Indranil Sen Accused of Ticket Fraud Linked to UNESCO

Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and his wife are embroiled in controversy after an international tourism company filed a police complaint against them. The allegations involve the illegal sale of pre-Puja tickets, misusing the UNESCO name. The complaint claims that the couple operated a fraudulent scheme linked to Durga Puja, with significant financial transactions involved. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Indranil Sen has yet to respond publicly. The complainant has urged for a thorough investigation, citing concerns over the integrity of the nation. This unfolding situation raises questions about the misuse of cultural recognition for personal gain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2026, 12:59 IST

Allegations Against Indranil Sen and His Wife

File image of Bengal ex-minister, Indranil Sen (Photo: @HALDERSAN/X)

Kolkata, June 9: A police report has been filed by an international tourism firm against former state minister Indranil Sen and his spouse, alleging that they unlawfully sold pre-Puja tickets while misappropriating the name of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The complaint was lodged at the Bowbazar Police Station located in central Kolkata, with claims that the couple was operating an illicit commercial scheme related to Durga Puja.

Joydeep Mukherjee, representing the international organization, has accused Indranil and his wife of these activities. Additionally, a separate complaint has been submitted to the Director General of Police.

The complaint states that Kolkata’s Durga Puja was recognized by UNESCO in 2021. Subsequently, in 2022, an entity named MassArt was allegedly established to conduct financial operations using UNESCO’s name and logo, with Madhuchanda Sen, Indranil Sen's wife, at the helm.

MassArt purportedly claimed to have chosen 24 Durga Puja pandals in collaboration with UNESCO. However, Joydeep contends that this assertion is entirely false, as MassArt had no formal agreement with UNESCO. Tickets for the pre-Puja events were reportedly sold unlawfully under the guise of UNESCO’s branding.

It is alleged that these transactions involved crores of rupees. Indranil Sen has not yet responded publicly to these accusations.

The complainant further noted that after the selection of the 24 pujas in Kolkata, he reached out to UNESCO, which confirmed that no commercial agreement existed with any organization named MassArt and that the use of their logo and name was not authorized.

Although these alleged activities date back to 2022-23, Mukherjee refrained from raising the issue earlier due to the political climate in the state. He has called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the matter pertains to the nation’s dignity.

Indranil Sen has not provided any official comment regarding the allegations.