KOLKATA: A city-based international travel consultant has filed a formal complaint against former tourism minister Indranil Sen and officials of the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society (MassArt), accusing them of falsely claiming to be official partners of UNESCO to promote Durga Puja in West Bengal. The consultant, Jaydeep Mukherjee, alleges that the organisation cheated the public by selling tickets for exclusive preview shows at Durga Puja pandals. MassArt representatives have denied all allegations.
Background of the Complaint
Jaydeep Mukherjee, who has been promoting Durga Puja internationally since 2010, stated that he had organised 66 roadshows across Europe, North America, and South America over a decade before UNESCO officially recognised Kolkata's Durga Puja as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. The complaint was submitted to the Kolkata Police commissioner, the state director general of police, and the officer-in-charge of Bowbazar Police Station.
Allegations Against Indranil Sen and MassArt
According to Mukherjee, former tourism and cultural affairs minister Indranil Sen, along with his wife Madhuchhanda, Dhruvajyoti Bose, Sayantan Maitra, and Rajana Chatterjee, incorporated the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society on June 24, 2022. He claims that since then, the organisation falsely presented itself as an official partner of UNESCO. Mukherjee further alleges that MassArt sold tickets worth Rs 4,000 for preview shows at 24 selected Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, thereby cheating the general public.
Mukherjee asserted that the entire operation was a racket and that no UNESCO delegation had ever visited the pandals during the preview shows. He also claimed that the scheme was supported by the former Trinamool Congress government. Due to the influence of the accused individuals and their connections with the erstwhile government, Mukherjee said he was previously unable to take appropriate legal action.
Impact on Public Access
Mukherjee highlighted that the preview shows made Durga Puja pandals exclusively accessible to ticket holders, barring entry to the general public. This led to conflicts and commotions at various pandals. He accused the organisers of converting the pandals into private zones, allowing entry only to a select few.
MassArt's Response
Dhruvajyoti Bose of MassArt refuted the allegations, stating that he possesses all necessary documents to prove UNESCO's involvement in the preview show. He also claimed to have evidence of financial assistance provided to Durga Puja committees and artists. Bose pointed out that representatives from the United Nations body had toured dozens of community pandals during the four-day preview organised ahead of the festival.
Additional Information
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About the Author
Subhro Niyogi is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, responsible for reporting, editing, and coordinating news and news features. His hobbies include photography, driving, and reading.
