The threat of fraudulent VIP passes for Durga Puja pandals had already surfaced earlier. There are now claims of dishonesty pertaining to passes for the Red Road Durga Puja carnival. Arunesh Sheel, a Haridevpur resident, is charged with blatantly using social media to promote and sell carnival passes.
Reports suggest that numerous individuals have fallen prey to this alleged scam, purchasing counterfeit passes from Arunesh. Based on a complaint from one of the purported victims, Shakespeare Sarani police arrested Arunesh on Monday. Authorities are now probing whether others are implicated in this racket and investigating any potential links between Arunesh and the earlier VIP pass fraud.
Sunday's Durga Puja carnival saw the participation of various puja organizers. As in previous years, the event was replete with idol displays and cultural performances, maintaining its characteristic grandeur. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee graced the festivities, alongside invited dignitaries from home and abroad. The carnival consistently draws massive crowds, with the state government making separate arrangements for VIP seating.
Amidst this backdrop, Arunesh allegedly advertised the availability of carnival passes on social media, attracting numerous inquiries. He reportedly quoted a price of 5,000 rupees per pass. One individual, after considerable negotiation, claims to have purchased a pass for 3,000 rupees. However, upon arriving at the carnival on Sunday, the buyer discovered the pass was counterfeit, realizing they had been duped. Subsequently, a formal complaint was lodged at Shakespeare Sarani police station.
Investigators arrested the accused from Haridevpur, recovering several carnival passes in the process. On Monday, a Bankshall Court judge remanded the detainee to police custody until October 10.
