Enforcement Directorate names Mamata Banerjee in money-laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in its money-laundering investigation involving Indranil Sen and his firm, Octave Records. The probe focuses on alleged irregularities in state tourism and cultural department tenders awarded during Sen’s tenure as a minister.

According to the ED, tenders exceeding Rs 85 crore were awarded to entities owned by close associates of Sen. The agency alleges these entities transferred large sums to firms controlled by Sen’s relatives and made significant cash withdrawals. Investigators found that over Rs 3.3 crore was deposited into the accounts of Sen and Octave Records.

The ED stated that nearly Rs 30 lakh was transferred from the Octave Records account to Mamata Banerjee via banking channels. Sen has reportedly claimed to investigators that this payment was made in the form of “royalty”. While the agency disclosed the transfer, it did not name Banerjee as an accused or allege she knowingly received proceeds of crime. Digital devices and documentary evidence were seized during recent searches.