A controversy surrounding Kolkata’s world-famous Durga Puja celebrations has taken a serious turn, with Kolkata Police registering an FIR against former West Bengal minister and singer Indranil Sen, his wife Madhuchhanda Sen, and several others over allegations of misrepresentation, financial irregularities and the alleged misuse of UNESCO’s name to market premium Puja experiences.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Jaydeep Mukherjee, who identified himself as an international travel consultant.

According to the complaint, an organisation allegedly linked to the accused projected itself as an official partner of UNESCO and used that claim to promote exclusive Durga Puja tours and special access programmes for paying visitors.

Police have named Indranil Sen, Madhuchhanda Sen, Dhruvajyoti Basu (Shubho), Sayantan Maitra and Rajan Chattopadhyay in connection with the allegations.

The complaint was submitted to Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda, State DGP Siddhanath Gupta and Bowbazar Police Station, following which a formal FIR was registered.

Alleged use of UNESCO branding to market premium Puja access

At the heart of the controversy is the allegation that an organisation incorporated in 2022 falsely portrayed itself as being officially associated with UNESCO after Kolkata’s Durga Puja received international recognition.

Investigators are expected to examine whether the organisation used that perceived association to build credibility and attract paying customers.

According to the complaint, the organisation allegedly marketed curated tours covering a select group of Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and sold passes priced at ₹4,000 per person.

Promotional campaigns reportedly highlighted the possibility of international delegations visiting the chosen pandals, creating an impression that participants would be part of an exclusive globally recognised cultural programme.

The complainant has alleged that members of the public were induced to purchase tickets on the belief that the initiative enjoyed a formal connection with UNESCO.

The complaint further claims that the project received support from state government departments associated with tourism and culture, helping strengthen the perception of legitimacy around the programme.

Mukherjee has also alleged that the organisers attempted to create a commercial model around Kolkata’s Durga Puja under the banner of international tourism.

According to the complaint, the initiative generated revenue through ticket sales while leveraging the prestige attached to Durga Puja’s global cultural recognition.

Another allegation concerns the conduct of the guided tours themselves.

The complainant claimed that ticket holders were provided privileged access to selected pandals, allegedly creating confusion inside festival venues and causing inconvenience to ordinary visitors who had not purchased passes.

He further argued that transforming public celebrations into exclusive commercial experiences risked damaging the spirit and image of Kolkata’s Durga Puja.

Those associated with the organisation have strongly rejected the allegations. Representatives have maintained that all activities were carried out legally and that they possess the necessary documents to substantiate their position before investigators.

They have also denied claims that their tours restricted public access to pandals or caused disruptions during the festivities.

Indranil Sen has similarly denied any direct involvement with the organisation. He has stated that he is not connected to the body and that his wife’s association is in her individual capacity.

Sen also said he had attended certain events organised by the group, particularly those involving persons with disabilities, but questioned the basis of the allegations.

According to him, the organisation possesses the required permissions and clearances.

Despite the denials, the FIR has placed the spotlight on whether the name and reputation of UNESCO were improperly invoked to market a commercial venture linked to one of Bengal’s most celebrated cultural events.

Investigators are expected to scrutinise incorporation records, promotional material, ticketing arrangements, financial transactions and documents relating to any claimed association with international organisations.

With allegations of misleading branding, premium ticket sales and possible financial gain now under official scrutiny, the case has emerged as one of the most closely watched controversies linked to Kolkata’s Durga Puja ecosystem in recent years.

The next phase of the investigation is likely to determine whether the claims amount to mere promotional exaggeration or constitute a larger scheme designed to profit from the global stature of Bengal’s biggest festival.