A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a state minister called for the arrest of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following Enforcement Directorate (ED) claims involving former minister Indranil Sen and his company, Octave Records.The ED has alleged that nearly ₹30 lakh was transferred through banking channels from Octave Records to Mamata Banerjee when she was the chief minister. According to the agency, Sen told investigators that the payment was made as royalty.The latest development comes amid an ED money-laundering investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to Durga Puja preview shows organised through massArt, an organisation associated with Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen.Key HighlightsED alleges nearly ₹30 lakh was transferred from Octave Records to Mamata Banerjee.Indranil Sen has described the payment as royalty.A Bengal minister has called for Banerjee’s arrest over the ED claims.ED has also alleged irregularities involving tenders worth more than ₹85 crore.The agency has not named Banerjee as an accused in its press release.The investigation into the financial transactions is continuing.ED Claims ₹30 Lakh Transfer to Mamata BanerjeeAccording to the ED, more than ₹3.8 crore in cash was deposited into the bank accounts of Indranil Sen and his proprietorship concern, Octave Records, during his tenure as a minister.The agency said nearly ₹30 lakh was subsequently transferred from Octave Records to Mamata Banerjee through banking channels. Sen reportedly told investigators that the amount was paid as royalty.The ED's statement did not allege that the transaction itself was criminal or describe Banerjee as an accused. The agency's investigation is examining the wider flow and utilisation of funds connected with the case.Minister Demands Action Against Mamata BanerjeeFollowing the ED's claims, a Bengal minister has demanded that Mamata Banerjee be arrested and questioned over the alleged financial link.The demand is a political response to the ED's findings and does not represent a judicial finding of wrongdoing against Banerjee. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been established in court.The Trinamool Congress has rejected the allegations surrounding Banerjee. Party leaders have maintained that payments received by her were legitimate royalty payments connected to her books, lyrics and musical compositions.Indranil Sen Under ED InvestigationFormer West Bengal tourism and culture minister Indranil Sen has been questioned by the ED in connection with alleged financial irregularities surrounding massArt's Durga Puja preview shows.The agency recently searched multiple premises linked to Sen, his wife and associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Sen was questioned for several hours after the searches.The ED has also alleged that during Sen's tenure as minister, multiple tenders worth more than ₹85 crore from the Tourism and Cultural departments were awarded to entities owned by two associates. The agency is examining subsequent fund transfers and withdrawals linked to those entities.What Is the Durga Puja Preview Show Case?The investigation relates to massArt's alleged collection of money through paid Durga Puja preview shows. The ED has alleged that the organisation used UNESCO's name and logo without authorisation while selling tickets for access to selected pandals.The agency said more than one lakh tickets were issued during 2023 and 2024, with ticket prices ranging from ₹1,749 to ₹5,499. Investigators are examining how the money was collected and where the proceeds were ultimately transferred.The investigation is continuing, and claims made by the ED, political parties or other individuals remain subject to the legal process.
