A judicial inquiry commission constituted by the West Bengal government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime has launched a formal investigation against former state minister Indranil Sen over alleged multi-crore irregularities in the tendering process of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. The probe was confirmed on 2 October 2026 by a member of the judicial panel, who indicated the inquiry is based on specific complaints received.

Background: Sen's Tenure and the Cultural Project

During the previous TMC administration, Sen held two cabinet portfolios — Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs and state Tourism Minister. Under his watch, the department launched 'Moder Gorob Bangla' (Bengal, Our Pride), a state initiative designed to promote Bengal's folk culture, handicrafts, history, and tourism potential while creating opportunities for local artists across every district of the state. The project involved organising fairs, exhibitions, and handicraft stalls in different parts of West Bengal.

What the Complaints Allege

The judicial panel received complaints alleging that in 2022 and 2023, all tenders for fairs and exhibitions under the 'Moder Gorob Bangla' project were awarded to a select group of organisations reportedly close to Sen. According to the allegations, Sen allegedly used his ministerial influence to channel contracts worth crores of rupees to entities of his choosing — some of them reportedly linked to his own relatives. A member of the probe panel confirmed the inquiry is under way but declined to share further details, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation. 'Right now, I am unable to divulge further information for the sake of the investigation,' the panel member said.

Enforcement Directorate Also in the Picture

Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is already conducting its own probe into two corporate entities linked to Sen and his wife Madhuchhanda Sen. The first entity, Mass Art, stands accused of issuing passes for 'Durga Puja Preview Shows' using the name and logo of UNESCO without the latter's authorisation. The second entity, Octave Records, is a proprietorship firm owned by Sen himself. In connection with the ED probe, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also been named, according to reports.

Broader Corruption Inquiry in Bengal

This investigation is part of a wider institutional audit being carried out by the judicial commission, which was set up following a change in the political landscape in West Bengal. The panel's mandate covers alleged corruption across departments during the previous TMC government's tenure. The 'Moder Gorob Bangla' case marks one of the more prominent individual-level probes to emerge from this larger exercise, given the scale of the alleged tender manipulation and the multiple investigative agencies now involved.

What Comes Next

With both the judicial inquiry commission and the ED running parallel tracks, scrutiny of Sen's alleged role is set to intensify. The judicial panel's findings, once complete, could inform further legal proceedings. The ED probe into Mass Art and Octave Records is ongoing, and any formal charge sheet would represent a significant escalation in the case against the former minister.