PMLA case: ED searches ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen’s premises

Security personnel stand guard as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conduct searches at the residence of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday searched the premises of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others as part of a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.The searches were carried out at 15 locations in connection with alleged financial irregularities.

What's the PMLA case?The ED’s investigation centres on MassArt’s activities, including its Durga Puja ‘Preview Shows’. According to agency officials, the society allegedly collected substantial sums from the public while portraying itself as a UNESCO-sponsored organisation.The agency has alleged that the funds raised through these activities were later diverted for personal gains. The money laundering probe is focused on the suspected proceeds of crime linked to the society’s financial transactions.The ED’s action under Section 17 allows the agency to search premises and seize documents or assets suspected to be connected with proceeds of crime, subject to the provisions of the PMLA.